Patna, Nov 1 (NationPress) Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary has categorically denied rumors regarding his potential ascension to the role of Chief Minister, asserting that "there is no vacancy" for the position. He reaffirmed his party's unwavering support for Nitish Kumar's leadership in the state.

During a discussion at the NDTV Bihar Power Play event, alongside journalists Sumit Awasthi, Akhilesh Sharma, and Prabhakar Kumar, Choudhary highlighted that Kumar's term has ushered in a significant era of development for Bihar.

In response to inquiries about his potential promotion, Choudhary stated: "There is no vacancy for Chief Minister in Bihar. The state has experienced a lengthy, tumultuous political history. Following Bihar’s inaugural Chief Minister, Sri Krishna Sinha, many leaders assumed the role but failed to serve a full term. Nitish Kumar has altered that narrative. Since 2005, Bihar has witnessed genuine advancement—from school uniforms and bicycles for students to a tenfold increase in high schools, growing from 2,000 to 10,000."

When questioned whether the BJP should assert itself more dominantly in Bihar, he replied: "We are the makers."

He reminded everyone that the BJP has historically played a pivotal role in shaping Bihar’s political framework.

"In 1990, Lalu Prasad Yadav became Chief Minister for the first time with the BJP’s support. However, when he showed disrespect towards Bihar, we withdrew our support. In 2000, Nitish Kumar's JD-U had 34 MLAs while the BJP had 70, yet we backed him for the Chief Minister’s position in the state’s interest. Even in 2020, when Kumar hesitated, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who convinced him to take the reins," he remarked.

"As long as Nitish Kumar remains with us, he is the Chief Minister—there’s no doubt about that."

In response to the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s criticism regarding the government’s initiative to distribute Rs 10,000 to approximately 1.5 crore women, Choudhary accused the RJD of being "anti-women".

"It’s in their DNA. Lalu Yadav was behind the tearing of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament. Under PM Modi’s leadership, that Bill was finally passed. Nitish Kumar, for his part, has provided 50 percent reservation to women in panchayati raj institutions. The people of Bihar are aware of who genuinely supports women’s empowerment," he stated.

When asked about Nitish Kumar’s health, Choudhary took a jab at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, saying: "It rained yesterday. A 36-year-old leader was resting at home, while a 75-year-old was addressing public rallies. That illustrates who’s more dedicated."

Choudhary dismissed allegations from Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor as unfounded and politically motivated.

"Many newcomers will enter politics. I don’t consider them significant. I’ve been active for 30 years; some have only been around for two," he reflected on the "political vendetta" he faced during Lalu Prasad’s era.

Commenting on his father, veteran leader Shakuni Choudhary’s past ties with the RJD, he noted: "Politics has its own timing. Even Nitish Kumar and Laluji have collaborated, as have the BJP and Laluji. The Congress once imprisoned Laluji, yet he now collaborates with them. This is the essence of politics."

The Bihar Assembly elections are set to occur in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting slated for November 14. The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the 243-member Assembly, and the Model Code of Conduct is now in effect throughout the state. Polling will cover 121 constituencies in the first phase and 122 in the second.