Bihar CM mystery: JD(U) tweet sparks debate amid NDA’s massive lead

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Bihar Chief Minister and JDU National President Nitish Kumar with Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary during release National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Manifesto for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, in Patna. | Photo: ANI
Bihar Chief Minister and JDU National President Nitish Kumar with Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary during release National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Manifesto for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, in Patna. | Photo: ANI

Patna: JD(U)’s recent social media activity has intensified speculation over Bihar’s next Chief Minister. The party briefly posted on X that Nitish Kumar would continue as chief minister, only to delete the statement minutes later. This move has triggered discussions on whether the leadership could shift, particularly given the BJP’s strong showing in the elections.

A now-deleted JD(U) post declaring Nitish Kumar as Bihar Chief Minister has triggered speculation over who will head the state government, even as NDA leads overwhelmingly in the 2025 assembly vote count.

JD(U) social media sparks CM debate

JD(U) briefly posted on X that Nitish Kumar would continue as Bihar Chief Minister but deleted it minutes later, creating uncertainty and a flurry of discussions on social media. Posters across Patna promoting “25 se 30, phir se Nitish” indicate strong grassroots support for Kumar, but the NDA’s dominant trend has intensified speculation about potential leadership alternatives.

According to the latest trends, the NDA is leading in 199 of 243 constituencies, with the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) ahead in 38 seats, AIMIM in 5, and other parties in 1 constituency. Specifically, NDA leads in 204 seats, Congress in 33, and others in 6, signalling a commanding position ahead of official results.

Nitish Kumar’s long tenure and voter base

Nitish Kumar has served nearly 20 years as Bihar Chief Minister and remains a popular figure, particularly among women and EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) voters. Analysts note his influence has contributed significantly to NDA’s strong showing, highlighting his continued relevance despite political uncertainties.

Samrat Chaudhary emerges as a contender

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, known for his organisational experience and legislative acumen, is being discussed as a potential alternative for the Chief Minister post, drawing parallels with Maharashtra’s 2024 scenario, where Devendra Fadnavis was appointed CM despite pre-election announcements favouring another leader.

Experts suggest that the final decision will need to balance the BJP’s dominance with JD(U)’s continued relevance under Nitish Kumar. The deleted JD(U) post, along with campaign messaging, indicates internal deliberations are ongoing, and any official announcement is expected after post-election negotiations within the NDA.

The choice of Chief Minister will be closely watched, given the NDA’s substantial lead and JD(U)’s historical role in state politics. Leadership clarity will influence government formation, administrative priorities, and future electoral strategies across Bihar’s political landscape.