The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will enter the 2025 Bihar assembly elections led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirmed Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary on Sunday, putting to rest speculation about the alliance’s leadership strategy.

Speaking at the BJP headquarters, Choudhary stated, “There is no confusion. The NDA is working under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar, and we will continue to contest elections under the leadership of both leaders,” echoing past statements made by Home Minister Amit Shah. Choudhary emphasized that the alliance, as in 2020, would again project Nitish as its chief ministerial face.

This declaration follows speculation stirred by Shah’s cautious remarks on selecting a CM candidate, which some interpreted as a possible shift from endorsing Nitish. But Choudhary dismissed such uncertainty, affirming that the decision was settled and that Kumar would once again lead the NDA’s bid in Bihar’s 243-seat assembly.

The announcement comes amid a broader BJP campaign aimed at projecting unity and targeting social justice themes, building on a strategic blueprint reportedly involving nine-point mobilization efforts by PM Modi ahead of the polls. Bihar’s Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni recently expressed confidence that the NDA could surpass its 2010 record by securing around 225 seats, crediting Nitish’s inclusive governance model for galvanizing support.

With elections slated for late 2025, the NDA appears keen to capitalize on its leadership messaging and organizational strength. Projecting a coherent front under Nitish and PM Modi, analysts suggest the alliance hopes to undercut internal dissent and consolidate voter trust.

By Staff Writer, Courtesy of Forbes | December 22, 2024 | Edited for WTFwire.com
Sources: Economic Times