Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary categorically dismissed speculation about replacing Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister, declaring at NDTV’s Bihar Power Play event on Saturday that “there is no vacancy for Chief Minister.” The senior BJP leader, speaking to NDTV’s Sumit Awasthi, Akhilesh Sharma, and Prabhakar Kumar, reaffirmed the party’s unwavering support for Kumar ahead of the November 6 and 11 assembly polls. Choudhary’s statement is part of the NDA’s effort to project unity and continuity, especially after Kumar rejoined the BJP-led coalition in January 2024 following a brief alliance with the opposition Mahagathbandhan.

Choudhary invoked Bihar’s turbulent political past to underline Kumar’s transformative leadership since 2005. “After Sri Krishna Sinha, no chief minister completed five years for 40 years,” he said, describing the period as a “long, dark chapter.” He credited Kumar with ending instability and driving development, particularly in education. “Girls and boys got uniforms and cycles. Bihar had 2,000 high schools; now it has 10,000,” he noted, referencing the iconic bicycle scheme that increased female enrolment from under 40% in 2005 to over 80% by 2020.

The NDA, which includes the BJP, JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Hindustani Awam Morcha, released its manifesto on October 31, promising over one crore jobs, skill centres in every district, and ₹10 lakh aid for extremely backward classes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Sankalp Patra’ in Patna, with Choudhary and Kumar by his side. The coalition currently holds 163 seats in the 243-member assembly and is banking on development and governance to counter the opposition’s narrative of caste-based mobilisation.

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The opposition INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav as its declared chief ministerial face, has accused the BJP of planning to sideline Kumar post-election. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments have fuelled such claims, but Choudhary dismissed them as baseless. “Nitish Kumar showed Bihar development. The NDA will fight and win under his leadership,” he asserted, framing the election as a choice between progress and the “jungle raj” of the 1990s under RJD rule.

Choudhary also highlighted infrastructure gains, including the Patna Metro project, over 12,000 special trains for Chhath Puja, and improved law and order. He accused the RJD of dynastic politics and corruption, contrasting it with the NDA’s focus on youth and women. With unemployment at 7.6% and migration a persistent issue, job creation remains a key battleground. The NDA’s promise of one crore jobs directly challenges the RJD’s earlier 10-lakh-job pledge when in power.

As campaigning intensifies, Choudhary’s endorsement of Kumar aims to silence internal murmurs and consolidate the NDA’s core vote base, especially among upper castes and extremely backward classes. With results due on November 14, the election will test whether Kumar’s longevity and development record can withstand the opposition’s aggressive outreach to youth and marginalised communities. For now, the BJP has closed ranks behind its long-time ally, betting on stability to secure another term.

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