Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has made a bold prediction regarding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s political future. Speaking at a press conference in West Champaran on Wednesday, Kishor claimed that Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] president, will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, he suggested that Kumar might switch sides post-elections in a bid to secure another term as Chief Minister.
Declining Popularity and Alliance Dynamics
Kishor, who now leads the Jan Suraaj Party, asserted that Nitish Kumar’s declining popularity makes it unlikely for him to secure a fifth consecutive term in office, regardless of his political alliances. “Anybody can become the Chief Minister in November after the assembly elections, except Nitish Kumar. You can take it from me in writing. If I am proven wrong, I will give up my own political campaign,” Kishor stated.
He also criticized the BJP for hesitating to declare Kumar as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Chief Ministerial candidate, citing his waning public support. “I challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to declare that Nitish Kumar will be the Chief Minister for a full five-year term if the NDA comes to power. If they do so, the BJP will find it hard to win seats,” Kishor remarked.
Speculations of Post-Election Realignment
Kishor suggested that Kumar might attempt to switch alliances after realizing that the BJP may not back him for another term. However, he predicted that the JD(U)’s poor performance in the elections would prevent Kumar from retaining the top position, regardless of the coalition he joins.
Sharp Criticism of Nitish Kumar
Kishor did not hold back in his criticism of the 74-year-old Chief Minister, describing him as “physically tired and mentally retired.” He alleged that Kumar’s leadership has brought disrepute to Bihar and questioned his ability to govern effectively. Kishor also accused Kumar of resorting to sycophancy to remain in power, referencing an incident where Kumar touched Prime Minister Modi’s feet during a public event.
Political Landscape in Bihar
The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be a closely watched contest, with shifting alliances and leadership challenges shaping the political narrative. Kishor’s remarks have added a new dimension to the ongoing debate about Nitish Kumar’s political future and the dynamics within the NDA.
As the elections approach, all eyes will be on the strategies adopted by key players, including the BJP, JD(U), and opposition parties, to secure a mandate in one of India’s politically significant states.
