BJP IN TIGHT SPOT WITH RIVALS MAKE TEJASHWI CM FACE: JDU ASSERTIVE ON LEADERSHIP ISSUE
NEW DELHI: The political landscape of Bihar has taken a dramatic turn with the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) officially announcing Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face for the upcoming Assembly elections. The move has not only consolidated the Opposition’s campaign but also placed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a politically precarious position, especially as it continues to avoid declaring a clear CM candidate of its own.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led jointly by the BJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), now finds itself facing growing internal discord. JDU leaders and loyalists of Nitish Kumar have publicly declared that there will be “no compromise on the leadership issue,” effectively challenging the BJP’s long-term strategy of asserting dominance over state partners. The development underscores a widening fault line between the two allies, who appear to be heading toward a potential clash over who leads the post-poll government.
Until recently, the BJP had been quietly working to position itself to install a chief minister of its choice in Bihar after the polls. However, Nitish Kumar’s supporters have seized the moment following the Opposition’s strong and unified projection of Tejashwi Yadav. They argue that Nitish remains the natural and tested leader of the NDA in Bihar, and any ambiguity on this front would only weaken the alliance’s electoral appeal.
Political observers believe the MGB, spearheaded by RJD and supported by Congress, Left parties, and other regional outfits, has managed to gain a psychological edge by presenting a cohesive leadership narrative. Tejashwi Yadav’s projection as CM face has infused fresh energy into the Opposition ranks, with early indicators suggesting a surge in grassroots enthusiasm across youth and rural voters.
In contrast, the BJP’s hesitation to project a leader — coupled with the growing assertiveness of the JDU — has created confusion within NDA cadres. Some analysts even suggest that the Bihar polls are gradually turning into a “JDU versus BJP” contest rather than a united NDA front against the MGB.
Adding to BJP’s worries, speculation is rife in political circles about the post-poll equations in case of a fractured mandate. Independent observers point out that if Nitish Kumar feels sidelined or humiliated, he might reconsider his alliance with the BJP. A possible withdrawal of JDU’s support to the Modi government at the Centre could significantly impact the stability of the NDA, given the tight parliamentary arithmetic.
As campaigning intensifies ahead of the November 6 and 11 polls, all eyes are on how the BJP manages the growing friction with its senior ally. With Tejashwi Yadav firmly in the spotlight and Nitish Kumar asserting his political primacy, Bihar’s electoral battle is fast transforming into a high-stakes test of coalition management for the saffron party — one that could reverberate well beyond Patna, reaching the corridors of power in New Delhi.
(Writer is Senior Journalist and Political Commentator)
