Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday described his past alliances with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) as a “mistake”, asserting that they only strengthened his conviction to remain with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Speaking at an election rally in Samastipur alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Janata Dal (United) leader highlighted the state’s development under central support and urged voters to back the NDA in the upcoming assembly polls. The event, marked by garlands and enthusiastic crowds, underscored the coalition’s unity ahead of the elections scheduled for later this month.

Kumar, who has switched alliances multiple times since the 1990s, indirectly criticised RJD supremo Lalu Prasad for promoting dynastic politics. “He made his wife the chief minister when he had to step down and is now busy promoting his sons and daughters,” Kumar said, referring to Rabri Devi’s tenure as chief minister from 1997 to 2005 after Lalu’s resignation amid the fodder scam. The JD(U) chief contrasted this with his own governance record, emphasising infrastructure projects, women’s empowerment initiatives, and law-and-order improvements facilitated by Modi government funding. He credited the Centre for Bihar’s progress in roads, electricity, and education, positioning the NDA as the architect of a “new Bihar”.

The rally in Samastipur, a key agricultural district in north Bihar, served as a platform to reinforce the NDA’s narrative against the opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav. Kumar’s remarks reflect his strategic return to the NDA in 2024 after a brief stint with the RJD in 2022, a move that had destabilised his government but ultimately realigned him with the BJP. Political analysts view this as an attempt to consolidate the NDA’s core voter base, including non-Yadav OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes, while countering accusations of flip-flopping. Modi, in his address, praised Kumar’s leadership and promised further central assistance for flood management and industrial growth.

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As Bihar heads to polls in three phases starting October 28, the NDA faces a resurgent opposition accusing it of neglecting unemployment and migration issues. Kumar’s public disavowal of the RJD alliance aims to dispel doubts among NDA supporters about his reliability. With the BJP and JD(U) contesting 243 seats together, the Samastipur rally signalled a coordinated campaign to retain power. Observers note that Kumar’s longevity in politics—spanning nine terms as chief minister—hinges on balancing regional pride with national alliances, making his endorsement of Modi a pivotal electoral message.

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