Bihar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday endorsed Janata Dal United leader Nitish Kumar as the campaign face of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, asserting that the alliance is poised to secure a record-breaking victory.
Speaking at a rally in Samastipur, which goes to polls in the first phase on November 6, Modi highlighted the NDA’s development work across the state over the past five years. “Today, there is not a single corner of Bihar where the BJP isn’t carrying out development work,” he said, emphasizing the government’s efforts in infrastructure, social welfare, and public services.
This marks the first time the Prime Minister has publicly framed the election campaign around Nitish Kumar, although it does not automatically indicate that the veteran leader will continue as Chief Minister if the NDA retains power.
The announcement comes amid a pointed critique from the opposition Mahagathbandhan, which recently confirmed Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav as its presumptive Chief Minister candidate. Opposition leaders also pressed the NDA to declare its chief ministerial face, with Ashok Gehlot questioning party leadership over the absence of a clear candidate while trying to resolve internal differences within the Mahagathbandhan.
Modi’s rally in Samastipur underscored both development achievements and political strategy, positioning Nitish Kumar at the forefront of the NDA campaign while reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to governance across Bihar.
