BJP's Alliance Strategy in Bihar: Amit Shah Confirms NDA to Contest Under Nitish Kumar's Leadership

Amit Shah recently clarified to NDTV's Rahul Kanwal that the NDA coalition is contesting Bihar elections under Nitish Kumar's leadership.

New Delhi:

Bihar's political climate is intensifying as assembly elections approach within days. The 243-member assembly will hold polling in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.

During NDTV's Bihar Powerplay Conclave in Patna on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed questions about BJP potentially contesting elections independently in Bihar.

Here's his response to NDTV's Chief Executive Officer and Editor-In-Chief Rahul Kanwal.

"Not Important How Politically Powerful We Become"

Shah explained, "Despite winning 325 seats in Uttar Pradesh during the 2017 elections, we didn't contest alone in the state's 2022 elections. Our party follows a consistent policy - regardless of BJP's political strength, we prioritize working with our allies during elections to foster state development. We believe in inclusive politics that moves forward with everyone."

The former BJP national president further noted, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, we secured over 270 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, yet we formed the central government with our NDA (National Democratic Alliance) partners. We maintained this approach following our victories in 2019 and 2024."

When questioned about BJP's PAN Bihar politician representation, Shah told Rahul Kanwal, "The BJP doesn't create politicians; it only prepares its members. The public ultimately decides which party member becomes an elected political leader."

"Bihar's citizens will determine who emerges as BJP's state PAN leader this time. We have numerous promising young leaders," the Union Home Minister added.

"Will Fight Polls Under Nitish's Leadership"

During the Bihar Powerpower Conclave in Patna, Amit Shah reaffirmed that the NDA is contesting the upcoming elections under Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) leader Nitish Kumar's guidance.

"I want to clearly state again that we're fighting these elections under Nitish Kumar's leadership. There is absolutely no ambiguity about this," he emphasized.

When asked about the chief ministerial candidate if NDA wins, Shah responded, "Selecting the chief minister follows a constitutional process. All MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) will collectively decide on the chief minister, but only after elections conclude."

The Union Home Minister expressed confidence that the NDA would secure 160 seats in the upcoming Bihar elections.