Bihar CM Face Unclear: Amit Shah Non-Committal, Chirag Paswan Reaffirms Support for Nitish Kumar

As Bihar gears up for its crucial assembly elections, uncertainty clouds the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over who will lead its campaign. While the Mahagathbandhan has firmly projected Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate, the NDA’s leadership face remains unclear — a silence that could cost it political momentum in the coming weeks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah refrained from naming a chief ministerial candidate during a recent interaction, stating that the decision would be made by the elected MLAs after the elections. The statement, seen by political analysts as a cautious move, has left the alliance’s internal power equation open-ended.

Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has publicly reiterated his support for Nitish Kumar, calling him the most experienced and stable face in Bihar politics. “Nitish Kumar’s administrative experience is crucial for Bihar’s growth. I have always respected that,” Paswan said, reaffirming his backing for the Janata Dal (United) leader.

However, Amit Shah’s measured stance has fueled speculation of strategic recalibration within the NDA. While some see this as the BJP keeping its options open, others interpret it as a signal that the saffron party may explore a post-poll leadership adjustment based on seat performance.

Mahagathbandhan Unites Behind Tejashwi Yadav

On the opposition front, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan is preparing to release its manifesto, with Tejashwi Yadav promising a youth-centric agenda. His pledges include large-scale recruitment in the government sector, women’s safety initiatives, and accelerated economic reforms aimed at modernizing Bihar’s infrastructure.

RJD insiders say the campaign will focus heavily on employment — an issue that resonated strongly with young voters in previous elections. The coalition aims to leverage Tejashwi’s growing popularity and contrast it against the NDA’s perceived leadership vacuum.

Political Stakes and Strategic Implications

The leadership uncertainty within the NDA could become a significant election issue. With Nitish Kumar completing multiple terms as Chief Minister, questions have arisen about succession planning and voter fatigue. The BJP, on its part, appears cautious — balancing its alliance commitments with the need to project its own expanding influence in the state.

Political observers believe that Amit Shah’s “non-committal” statement may also be a tactical decision to maintain flexibility. However, prolonged ambiguity could risk alienating NDA’s voter base, especially in rural constituencies where Nitish continues to command personal loyalty.

As both alliances finalize their manifestos and campaign strategies, Bihar is heading toward a high-stakes election defined by competing narratives of stability versus change — and a leadership question that the NDA is yet to answer.