NEW DELHI: A simmering cold war between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) has erupted soon after the allocation of portfolios in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s new Bihar cabinet, triggering intense political speculation in both Patna and New Delhi.
According to political observers and party insiders, a growing perception has taken root that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has crafted a meticulous strategy to retain control over Bihar’s governance from the Centre, while allowing Nitish Kumar to continue as Chief Minister for a record tenth term. The allocation of key ministries, particularly the home and law and order departments, has become the flashpoint.
Sources within the BJP claim that the decision to take away the crucial home portfolio from Nitish Kumar was driven by concerns over his diminishing administrative grip and alleged inability to handle the state’s sensitive law and order machinery. Some BJP leaders have privately argued that the Chief Minister is “not mentally or physically positioned” to manage such a demanding responsibility, a remark that has further deepened mistrust between the allies.
Adding fuel to the tension is the BJP’s long-standing grievance that retired bureaucrats and former police officials wield disproportionate influence in the Chief Minister’s Office. These unelected advisers, they allege, operate without accountability a contentious issue that has resurfaced as Nitish restructures his administrative setup.
Meanwhile, BJP leadership is keeping a close watch on Nitish Kumar’s reported attempts to induct MLAs from NDA allies and even sections of the opposition into the JD(U). The move, if successful, could alter the balance of power within the ruling coalition by making JD(U) the largest party in the Bihar Assembly. Currently, BJP holds the position of the single largest party with 89 seats, while JD(U) trails narrowly with 85.
The political maneuvering has created an atmosphere of uncertainty within the coalition, with both parties publicly projecting unity while privately preparing for possible realignments. For now, the BJP appears determined to assert administrative control, while Nitish Kumar seems focused on strengthening his party’s numerical and political standing.
With Bihar entering yet another phase of coalition friction, the coming months may determine whether this uneasy partnership stabilizes—or heads toward a deeper confrontation.
