Bihar assembly election 2025: The two biggest rivals of Bihar – NDA and INDIA – had rounds of meetings before they could finalise their seat-sharing as keeping everyone happy is a difficult task in politics. Similarly, what all leaders extensively discussed was the chief minister’s face for their respective blocs.
Mahagathbandhan named Tejashwi Yadav its CM candidate and NDA, which has not made any formal announcement, but its leaders maintained Nitish Kumar will continue as CM if the alliance returns to power.
But there are others too who were considered as contenders for the top post, but have opt out to keep allies happy. Two such names are – Chirag Paswan and Prashant Kishor.
Chirag Paswan: What changed his decision?
It is known to all that Chirag Paswan has always had chief ministerial aspirations for Bihar, and this was one of the reasons why he contested on 137 seats in 2020 Bihar elections. But he knows Lalu and Nitish have dominated Bihar for over three decades, and making inroads there, is not an easy task.
In June this year, Paswan had announced he would contest the Bihar assembly election. He rallied across the states, despite being an ally of JD(U) in the NDA.
Fear crippled in Nitish Kumar’s party as they guessed where Chirag Paswan‘s campaign was heading. And so the leaders reportedly made the key move. A report in Deccan Herald stated Nitish was not happy as Paswan’s 2020 election on 137 seats dented JD(U)’s fate on many seats.
Discussions happened, and LJP (RV) got 29 seats for Bihar election 2025. Furthermore, Chirag Paswan was asked not to take part as it would likely worsen the resentment. Nitish Kumar recently met Paswan at his home, and the latter on Tuesday declared Nitish as the CM face — seems to be a sign of a discord ending.
Prashant Kishor – The man of third front, but not he CM face
Everyone had accepted that Prashant Kishor would be the CM face for Jan Suraaj, and that at least he would contest the Bihar polls; but neither is happening. The poll strategist-turned-politician said he would focus on campaign and strengthening the party, though rivals said PK has lost the battle already.
The 47-year-old leader has campaigned extensively as the better choice for Bihar, a face other than that of Nitish or Tejashwi.
He said the decision was in “larger interest of the party” as it would “distract” him from the “necessary organisational work”.