Bihar’s political landscape is heating up as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gears up for another term, with Union Minister Chirag Paswan, leader of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), voicing strong support for the Janata Dal (United) chief ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. Speaking in Hajipur on Saturday, Chirag affirmed Nitish’s leadership within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), stating, “The NDA will contest under Nitish Kumar, and he will become Chief Minister again.” This endorsement comes amid coalition maneuvering, with Nitish, who rejoined the NDA in January 2024 for his ninth stint as CM, navigating a complex alliance with the BJP and smaller partners like Chirag’s LJP.

Adding intrigue, Chirag addressed speculation about Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar, entering politics. “If Nishant chooses to join, we’ll definitely welcome him,” Chirag said, leaving the decision to Nishant, his family, and JD(U). This follows weeks of buzz, fueled by JD(U) workers and posters urging the 48-year-old engineer to step into the fray, potentially securing Nitish’s legacy. Nishant has remained coy, recently dodging questions with a curt “just leave it,” though he’s publicly backed his father’s re-election, citing Nitish’s developmental work since 2005.

The comments drew a sharp response from RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, who quipped he’d be “happy” if Nishant entered, suggesting it might “save” JD(U) from BJP dominance. Political circles see Nishant’s possible debut as a counter to dynastic players like Tejashwi and Chirag, though critics like Prashant Kishor have jabbed at Nitish’s “mentally retired” state, questioning his grip. Chirag, however, dismissed RJD’s barbs, urging Tejashwi to recall his party’s chaotic 1990s rule.

With the NDA eyeing a strong 2025 showing, Nitish’s experience remains central, bolstered by allies like Chirag, despite past tensions— notably Chirag’s 2020 vote-splitting against JD(U). Nishant’s potential entry adds a fresh layer to Bihar’s narrative, blending legacy with coalition dynamics as the state braces for a high-stakes electoral battle.