Patna: Amid persistent speculation about the chief ministerial face of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday clarified the position of the alliance and addressed questions regarding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s role in the ongoing Assembly elections. Speaking to the media, Shah emphasized that while the NDA is campaigning under Kumar’s leadership, the formal announcement of the chief minister would follow constitutional procedure after the election.

Addressing a news channel, Shah reiterated, “I clarify once again, Nitish ji is the chief minister, we are fighting the election under his leadership. There is no confusion in NDA regarding this, nor should it be spread.” He stressed that the alliance’s election campaign is unified and that all members of the NDA are working together to secure a fifth consecutive term in Bihar since 2005.

‘After Election’ Response

When pressed on why the NDA had not made a formal announcement about its CM candidate—especially in contrast to the Mahagathbandhan, which declared Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face—Shah explained that the final decision is a matter for the elected MLAs to determine post-election, in accordance with the constitution.

“The process for selecting the chief minister is a constitutional one determined by all MLAs sitting together after the election,” he clarified. The remark referenced the Maharashtra elections, where, despite a joint victory by the BJP and Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde was made deputy chief minister while the saffron party kept the CM’s post for Devendra Fadnavis.

Shah’s clarification comes against a backdrop of repeated opposition attacks suggesting that there is internal uncertainty within the NDA regarding Kumar’s leadership. Congress leader Ashok Gehlot claimed on Saturday that Nitish Kumar “knows he won’t become Chief Minister this time,” while RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that Kumar’s health has deteriorated and that he “has lost control over the administration” and “will be finished after the polls.”

On Nitish Kumar’s Health and Campaigning

Responding to questions about whether the NDA’s brief manifesto release was related to Kumar’s health, Shah dismissed such claims. “There were six people. If six people give 20-minute speeches, it will go on for an hour and a quarter,” he said, indicating that the short duration of the program was purely procedural.

Shah further highlighted Kumar’s active campaigning schedule, noting that the chief minister is undertaking five rallies every day across multiple villages. “Campaigning in Bihar is considered a sign of good health in itself,” he remarked, projecting confidence in the chief minister’s vigor and ability to lead the alliance during the election.

NDA’s Campaign and Seat Projections

Expressing optimism about the NDA’s prospects, Shah stated that the alliance is targeting around 160 of the 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly, reflecting confidence in retaining power for a fifth consecutive term. In the 2020 elections, the NDA had won 125 seats, with the BJP alone securing 74 seats.

Shah also addressed criticisms arising from the NDA’s short manifesto release, which lasted less than a minute. Opposition leaders alleged that Nitish Kumar had been sidelined during the event and accused the alliance of insulting Bihar and its electorate. Congress leader Ashok Gehlot further suggested that the ruling coalition avoided longer interaction due to fear of questions regarding their two-decade rule in the state.

At the brief manifesto release event, the lineup included CM Nitish Kumar, his deputy Samrat Choudhary, BJP president JP Nadda, and Union ministers including Dharmendra Pradhan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Chirag Paswan. All leaders departed shortly after the launch, except deputy CM Choudhary, who remained to answer press queries.

Opposition Pressure and Political Context

The timing of Shah’s clarification coincides with heightened political activity ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress, and other allies, has openly named Tejashwi Yadav as their CM candidate, using this as a key campaign point to question NDA’s clarity and strategy. Opposition leaders have repeatedly raised doubts over Kumar’s health, administrative control, and future role, creating an environment of speculation and media scrutiny.

Shah’s remarks were aimed at asserting the NDA’s cohesion and clarifying that any decision about the chief ministership would be constitutionally determined, post-election, by the elected MLAs. By emphasizing that the alliance is campaigning under Kumar’s leadership, Shah sought to counter claims of uncertainty while maintaining a flexible approach that allows the elected representatives to formalize the decision.

Bihar Prepares for Polling

Bihar is set to witness polling for 243 Assembly seats in two phases on November 6 and November 11. Concurrently, by-elections for eight seats across seven states and Union Territories will also take place on November 11, with counting for all elections scheduled on November 14. As the election approaches, political parties are intensifying campaigns, highlighting leadership questions, development agendas, and opposition critiques to sway voters.

Amid this charged political climate, Shah’s comments were carefully calibrated: affirming Nitish Kumar’s role, projecting NDA’s confidence, and reserving the formal CM announcement for after the electoral verdict, in line with constitutional norms. The strategy reflects the NDA’s focus on presenting a united front while leaving room for procedural clarity once the election outcome is finalized.