Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Samrat Choudhary has categorically stated that there is no ambiguity regarding the chief ministerial post if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returns to power in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Speaking in an interview to Vijay Swaroop, Choudhary clarified that Nitish Kumar will continue as the state’s chief minister and emphasized that the alliance is focused on governance and development rather than making promises merely to attract votes. His remarks come amid speculation by opposition parties attempting to raise doubts over the leadership dynamics within the NDA.

When asked about the NDA’s manifesto, Choudhary said it would be released before November 4, after consultations with all alliance partners. He stressed that the manifesto would be a comprehensive blueprint for the next five years, focusing on youth and women’s empowerment, attracting investment, and ensuring sustainable development. “We have to work more for empowerment of youth and women, and to get investment, among other things,” he added, underscoring that the alliance is working to present a coordinated and practical development agenda.

On the question of why the NDA has not repeatedly announced Nitish Kumar’s name as the CM candidate in public rallies, Choudhary stated that the matter is already settled within the alliance. “There is no vacancy for CM post in Bihar and the NDA. Nitish Kumar is the Bihar CM and he will be the Bihar CM in future as well,” he said. Choudhary recalled that in previous elections, in 2000 and 2020, Nitish Kumar had himself declined to become CM, yet the BJP had offered him the post. He emphasized that the alliance is unified on the matter and there is no confusion requiring repeated public reiteration.

Addressing the question of election promises and announcements, Choudhary highlighted that the NDA prefers delivery over rhetoric. He stated that while the opposition is making announcements, the NDA government has a track record of implementing decisions and schemes. “We transferred money in the accounts of 1.41 crore women, 1.12 crore elderly and disabled persons, and provided free electricity up to 125 units to 1.90 crore consumers,” he said. Choudhary emphasized that governance in Bihar is focused on development, summarizing it as “Bihar vikas, vikas aur vikas par hi chalega” (Bihar will run only on development, development, and development). He reiterated that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar prioritize delivery and inclusivity in governance, with schemes implemented irrespective of caste or religion. According to Choudhary, this focus on tangible development outcomes will appeal to voters and help the NDA secure a strong mandate.

On the issue of youth employment, particularly in response to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s promise to provide a government job to every family, Choudhary dismissed the plan as impractical. He pointed out that Bihar currently has 2.2 million government jobs, whereas Tejashwi’s proposal would require creating jobs for 27 million families, demanding an estimated ₹12 lakh crore in salary expenditure—far beyond the state’s fiscal capacity. He compared past records, noting that during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure, only 94,000 jobs were created, whereas Nitish Kumar’s four terms have delivered 1.85 million jobs. He added that the NDA plans to provide jobs and employment to one crore people over the next five years, which he positioned as a realistic and actionable commitment. Choudhary also noted that the NDA’s vote share this time would benefit from former rivals like Chirag Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha joining the alliance, making opposition promises even less feasible.

Regarding the continued use of the ‘jungle raj’ narrative by the NDA, Choudhary attributed it to the misgovernance of Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Congress during previous administrations. He described Lalu as a leader whose actions created lawlessness in the state, positioning him as the “biggest leader of the Grand Alliance,” and underscored that the narrative is rooted in historical performance rather than campaign rhetoric.

Choudhary, who is contesting elections from Tarapur after a long gap, emphasized that his experience and track record in the region would guide voters’ choices. He remarked that despite the Lalu family’s setbacks in prior elections, he has consistently won from his constituency, relying on public trust and governance credentials.

When asked whether he sees himself as a probable CM candidate, Choudhary demurred, stating that he is a party worker and not a leadership contender. He cited historical precedents, noting that even Nitish Kumar was chosen as CM candidate by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and highlighted the importance of experience and delivery over personal ambition.

On the question of BJP’s approach to Muslim candidates, Choudhary clarified that selection is based on multiple parameters, with a focus on winnability and alignment with alliance objectives. He stressed that candidate selection is determined by panels and committees that consider a range of factors, ensuring a balanced approach aimed at electoral success.

Overall, Choudhary’s interview sought to reinforce stability and continuity within the NDA alliance, emphasizing development, governance, and realistic policy proposals as the key pillars of the campaign. By focusing on Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the NDA aims to project unity and credibility, contrasting its record of delivery with the opposition’s promises, which are positioned as impractical. The message, as articulated by Choudhary, is clear: the NDA stands for development-driven governance, continuity in leadership, and pragmatic policies that can deliver tangible benefits to Bihar’s citizens.

The interview comes at a critical time in the run-up to the Bihar assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11. With both the NDA and opposition alliances mobilizing resources and leadership, the clarity on CM leadership, coupled with a focus on development and employment, is intended to consolidate voter confidence and maintain alliance cohesion. Choudhary’s comments, particularly on the CM issue and realistic delivery on employment and welfare schemes, aim to provide voters with a concrete basis for evaluating the NDA’s performance and plans relative to the opposition’s promises.

In summary, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary emphasized in his interview that Nitish Kumar remains the undisputed CM candidate for the NDA, underscored the alliance’s focus on practical development and welfare measures, rejected opposition claims as speculative, and highlighted a realistic approach toward employment generation and governance, positioning the NDA as a stable and delivery-oriented choice for Bihar’s electorate in the upcoming polls.