Political rumbles have begun in Bihar as the state gears up for an assembly election in November 2025. While the NDA seems to be on a strong footing, there are murmurs around Nitish’s role and Chirag’s aspirations, and balancing them while projecting a strong and united front to take on the Mahagathbandhan will test the BJP’s poll strategy. Till now, the BJP has projected Nitish Kumar as the face of the NDA – who will lead them in the upcoming poll. That may change fast if BJP emerges as the “big brother” in the alliance yet again, as evidenced in Maharashtra. Even then, Nitish will expect an honourable exit.
Despite a string of flop shows, Congress remains charged up and is keen to assume a more prominent role in the opposition alliance. Rahul Gandhi’s gambit of launching Kanhaiya Kumar is being seen as an arm-twisting ploy to demand more seats for Congress and contain Tejashwi Yadav – who naturally prefers no competition to his claim of being a “yuva” neta, fit to take the mantle from an ageing and a “well-past-his-prime” Nitish Kumar. Kanhaiya kumar has made a couple of summersaults since then, first leaving Congress, then joining and leaving Jan Suraj party as well.
That both Congress and the RJD are eying the same Muslim-Yadav-Dalit vote bank may cause fissures, and whether or not Tejashwi relents remains to be seen. Rahul Gandhi, too, has shown that he is no pushover and is not afraid to put up a fight against its allies, even at the cost of losing elections, to send a message that Congress cannot be taken for granted. Congress’s role in AAP’s loss in the recently concluded Delhi elections is well known.
Even as Congress and RJD test each other’s patience before finalising the seat sharing agreement and the BJP projects a united front, two factors may gravely impact the outcome of this election. One: Prashant Kishor has emerged as the dark horse, who has mounted a scathing attack on RJD and Nitish Kumar. His massive outreach programs and padyatras have gained traction, attracting thousands. He is also eyeing Muslim and Dalit vote bank, focusing on issues like Bihari Asmita (pride) and the lack of employment opportunities, causing much heartburn for Tejashwi and Congress. His political rhetorics have resonated with masses. While he may not convert this traction into many seats, he seems more than capable of cutting into RJD-Congress’ vote bank, indirectly benefitting the BJP wrest closely contested seats – that are likely to be many!
Second: The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan may escalate into a full-blown conflict. In such a case, all permutations and combinations will come to nought, and nationalism will override all caste calculus. This would disarm the opposition and create a wave of sympathy and support for the government. A week is a long time in politics, said, Harold Wilson. With still 6 months to go, much remains to unfold in deciding who wrests power in the politically crucial state.
Amit Shah, Home Minister, GoI
On NDA’s chances in the upcoming election
“The NDA will make a comeback with record numbers. It will form the government with the largest mandate to date, there are no two opinions about that.”
– Speaking at the News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025
On RJD’s Jungle Raj
“Bihar has to decide if it wants Lalu-Rabri’s jungle raj or the development path of Modiji and Nitish Kumar. What the Congress could not do in 65 years, Narendra Modi did in 10 years. Please vote in an NDA government again. We will make Bihar flood-free within five years.
Lalu-Rabri regime here and Sonia-Manmohan government at the Centre did nothing for Bihar. Lalu’s two sons are now prepping for the Chief Minister post. His daughter (Misa Bharti) is in Parliament. His wife Rabri Devi is also a member of the House (legislative council). Lalu is busy ‘setting’ his family. He did not ‘set’ the youngsters in Bihar. But Narendra Modi gave jobs to the youth.”
– Speaking at a recently held rally in Gopalganj, Bihar
Rahul Gandhi, President, Indian National Congress
On Bihar’s desire for change
“There is enthusiasm among the youth of Bihar to achieve something – and there is anger against the government for not providing them opportunities and support. The sentiments, suffering and determination of thousands of youth were clearly visible on the streets of Begusarai today during the ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ rally.”
This voice against unemployment and migration has now become a cry for change. Bihar will not sit silent now, the youth will not tolerate injustice anymore – they will fight for their rights, employment and justice.”
– On social media platform X after a rally in Bihar
Samrat Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister (BJP)
On Nitish Kumar’s role and RJD’s mismanagement
“The BJP-led NDA is running a government in the state under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. We look forward to forming the next government under his leadership. Tejashwi should tell us what his father and mother, who ruled Bihar for 15 years, did for the state. Your parents (Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi) looted Bihar. You talk about building universities, but when approval was given for 10 universities, only 2 were built under your government.
Nitish Kumar made 23 universities a reality. The NDA government is united and will contest the Assembly elections under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar. He is and will remain the face of the NDA in Bihar. If the people give us five more years, we will create opportunities that will bring back all those who left Bihar in search of work.”
– As quoted by ANI
Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition (RJD)
On NDA’s election prospects
“Even after 20 years of NDA government in the state, Bihar is the poorest state, where per capita income and farmers’ income are the lowest, and migration is the highest. We want to contest elections based on issues. It is the duty of all of us to highlight the shortcomings of the government. Nitish ji to hijack ho chuke hain. NDA is not forming the government in Bihar this time.”
On election strategy
“We will organise conferences in all 243 Assembly constituencies of Bihar to strengthen the party’s organisational structure at the grassroots level. Our party cadre will go from village to village to establish direct communication with the people through these conferences. Emphasis will be placed on increasing the activism of party workers at the village level. Our objective is to maintain direct contact with the public and to convey the ideology and policies of the RJD effectively. This strategy is crucial for strengthening the party’s base in the current election environment.”
– Speaking at a press conference
Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries and President Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas)
On his alliance with BJP
“I am friend to BJP, I am not part of BJP. I have my own priorities, I am an ally to the BJP, I am not part of them. We trust the leadership and the alliance. When the time comes, everyone will get their due.”
On religious polarization
“Remember what happened in the case of CAA? What did the Opposition say then? That Muslims will lose their citizenship, they stoked violence. But what happened? Nothing. Today, a similar attempt is being made to antagonize Muslims — telling them that their land will be taken away. Give it some time. The Waqf Act decision will be accepted with time.
What is wrong in giving the right to Muslims to protest in courts if their land is taken away by Waqf Board? Nothing is above nationalism, politics cannot be over nationalism. Rahul Gandhi practises politics of division. Should Indian citizens support anyone who talks about separating India?”
– Speaking at CNN-News18 Rising Bharat Summit in New Delhi
How NDA will finalise seat sharing
“The NDA is a natural alliance, whereas the opposition’s unity is fake and fragile. All NDA leaders, including Amit Shah, will frequently visit Bihar to strategise for the elections. Seat sharing in NDA will be smooth, unlike in the opposition, where internal rivalries will lead to disputes.”
– As reported by IANS
Prashant Kishor, Founder, Jan Suraaj Party
On Nitish Kumar
“They messed up the Covid management. People are annoyed. Nitish Kumar is in his last political innings. BJP will never let Nitish Kumar become the Chief Minister again. And NDA will not form the next government in Bihar. Even if the INDIA bloc comes to power, Nitish Kumar would never be made the chief minister, so he is the chief minister of Bihar for only five months.
The two main factors which will influence the Assembly polls include Nitish’s failing health and his leadership. The moment the NDA announces him as its CM face and he is not able to address the crowd, people may make up their mind to look beyond him.”
– As said to NDTV
Nitish Kumar has managed to hold on to the seat of power while switching alliances. This enables him to be the CM even if the JD(U) has a small number of seats. To break this cycle, and to ensure that the arrow (JDU’s poll symbol) does not float with the lotus (BJP) nor burn bright with the lantern (RJD), I appeal to the people that they vote in a manner that the JD(U) does not win even one seat. Only then would we be rid of the chief minister who is physically tired and mentally retired.”
– As quoted by PTI
On Jan Swaraj as a political alternative
People who have been voting BJP and RJD will have a third option this time. Jan Suraaj movement will emerge as a strong, honest and non-family option. 86 per cent of Dalits do not have even an inch of land. The leaders who talk about socialism and social justice have deprived the poor of essential resources like education, land and capital. To humiliate Biharis, it is said that everything here is based on caste, but this is not true.”
– Speaking to ETV Bharat
Krishna Allavaru, Congress in-charge, Bihar
On taking over in Bihar
“Since I took over, my focus has been on real issues—the problems of the people. Politics and elections must prioritize people and their needs. We have tried to raise issues that resonate with them. It’s a small beginning, but there’s visible buzz because people are identifying with these conversations.”
On election prospects
“Elections humble everyone. In 2020, it was a very close contest; a margin of 12,000–15,000 votes made the difference. In some seats, the administration influenced outcomes during recounting. This time, we want systematic preparedness at all levels—state, district, block, and panchayat. We have started early, ensuring better coordination and clarity for a stronger campaign.”
On a level-playing field
“Institutions like the Election Commission have been systematically weakened by the Prime Minister and Home Minister. If the Election Commission’s credibility is in question, free and fair elections are endangered. The judiciary, too, has shown vulnerability to pressure. The media often sidesteps critical issues. The Opposition today fights elections with both hands tied.”
On Congress’ priorities
“Our focus is on two things—first, making people realize the deep economic, social, and political injustice Bihar has faced. Second, assuring them that we have a strong alternative roadmap. Declaring a CM face can come later. Right now, the priority is to show the people that we have a clear, credible plan.”
– Speaking to Neelu Vyas in Capital Beat by The Federal
