Did Nitish Kumar Leave BJP to Resolve Poll Alliance Issues?
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Synopsis
As the Bihar Assembly elections loom, Chirag Paswan displays political maturity, contrasting his past confrontations with Nitish Kumar. As alliances shift and tensions rise, will Chirag’s loyalty to Modi pay off? Discover the intricacies of Bihar's political landscape and the challenges facing its leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Chirag Paswan shows maturity ahead of the Bihar elections.
- Relations between Nitish Kumar and Chirag remain tense.
- The NDA alliance faces challenges in seat-sharing negotiations.
- Chirag's loyalty to Modi is central to his political strategy.
- The outcome of the elections will impact Bihar's governance.
New Delhi, Oct 11 (NationPress) Chirag Paswan, President of the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, has demonstrated remarkable maturity and patience as the Bihar Assembly elections approach in November this year, contrasting sharply with his aggressive stance against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2020.
However, he is once again on the brink of potential dissent.
While both Chirag's Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United are affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the national level, their relationship remains tense at the state level.
Despite Nitish Kumar being the recognized leader of the NDA in Bihar, the responsibility for negotiating the seat-sharing arrangement with allies fell to the BJP, which insiders claim sought a more significant share at the expense of the JD-U.
Insiders assert that the Chief Minister rebuffed such demands, even though in 2020, his party ranked third in terms of the number of legislators in the Bihar Assembly.
Now, projected once more as the NDA's Chief Ministerial candidate, Nitish Kumar has opted to assert his influence.
Despite having previously declared his campaigns as his last, he has chosen to persist.
However, many perceive the elder leader, now in his seventies, to be nearing the end of his political career, with public signs of unease.
In the meantime, Chirag Paswan, having taken over leadership of the Lok Janshakti Party following his father Ram Vilas' passing, has positioned himself as a rival to Nitish Kumar's authority.
In the 2020 elections, despite being technically part of the NDA, he contested 135 out of 243 seats in Bihar, predominantly against the JD-U, and was widely perceived as a factor that undermined the Chief Minister's position.
The JD-U was reduced to 43 seats, while the BJP gained strength with 74 seats.
Nonetheless, despite being the larger ally, the BJP honored its commitment and permitted Nitish Kumar to retain the Chief Minister's seat.
For Chirag, the 2020 risk affirmed his role as a disruptor in Bihar's political landscape.
A senior leader close to his father noted that Chirag Paswan has inherited a degree of political insight from his father, who had an uncanny ability to gauge the potential for victory in alliances before elections and adapt accordingly.
The octogenarian leader, speaking anonymously, remarked that the heir employs constituency mapping, surveys, and polling management consultants, albeit at a modest level.
Throughout this period of open dissent, Chirag has maintained steadfast loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, identifying himself as the latter's "Hanuman."
This sentiment remains intact.
When discussions with BJP representatives over the course of Thursday and Friday were nearing a conclusion on a seat-sharing agreement, a reporter inquired about his self-respect.
His response was telling: "Where my Prime Minister is (present), I need not worry about my own respect."
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chirag Paswan made a political comeback, with his party securing victories in all five seats it contested in alliance with the NDA in Bihar.
In contrast to the 2020 Assembly elections, where only one of his candidates secured a win (only to defect later), the 100 percent success rate in the Parliamentary elections granted him leverage within the NDA and earned him a Cabinet position in the Narendra Modi administration.
On June 5, 2024, prior to an NDA constituents' meeting in New Delhi, a confident Chirag met with Nitish Kumar along with his newly elected MPs.
As recently as May this year, he had met with Nitish Kumar in Patna, where he publicly endorsed the latter's leadership, asserting that there is "no vacancy" for the Chief Minister's position.
However, just two months later, following a meeting with BJP President J.P. Nadda, Chirag voiced concerns regarding Bihar's declining law and order situation.
Under these circumstances, it fell to the BJP to amicably resolve alliance challenges.
Point of View
The developments in Bihar reflect the complex interplay of loyalty, power, and political strategy. As alliances shift and leaders navigate their paths, it is crucial for the BJP and its allies to maintain unity and address the concerns that arise during election periods. The evolving situation warrants close attention as it holds significant implications for Bihar's governance and future.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Chirag Paswan's current political stance?
Chirag Paswan's current stance stems from his experience and aspirations to assert himself as a significant player in Bihar politics, particularly following the passing of his father and the shifting political landscape.
How has Nitish Kumar's leadership been perceived?
Nitish Kumar's leadership has been a subject of scrutiny, especially in light of recent electoral setbacks and the challenges posed by allies and rivals within the NDA.
What impact did the 2020 elections have on Chirag Paswan?
The 2020 elections solidified Chirag Paswan's role as a disruptor in Bihar politics, enabling him to carve a niche for himself despite setbacks.
What are the implications of the current political climate in Bihar?
The current political climate in Bihar suggests potential instability and the need for strategic alliances, as leaders navigate their positions amidst increasing tensions.
How is the BJP expected to handle alliance dynamics?
The BJP is expected to play a pivotal role in managing alliance dynamics, ensuring that relationships with partners like the JD-U and Lok Janshakti Party remain amicable to maintain electoral strength.
