NEW DELHI,19 March 2026 : Amid speculation in Bihar over who will replace Nitish Kumar as the Chief Minister, a repeated gesture by the Janata Dal (United) chief has created a buzz and is being seen as a big hint.
Kumar, who took the oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister a record 10 times, is on a tour of districts before he vacates the top post and moves to Delhi for a stint in the Rajya Sabha. The Samriddhi Yatra is being seen as Kumar’s last tour of districts as Chief Minister.
Deputy Chief Ministers and BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have accompanied Kumar on this yatra. During several public addresses in the course of this Yatra, Nitish Kumar was seen putting his hand on the Choudhary’s shoulder. “Aage sab yahi dekhenge (He will handle everything going forward),” the veteran politician said on several occasions. The repetition of the gesture, be it in Nawada or Bhagalpur or Katihar, has intensified the chatter in Bihar’s power circles.
Gestures and hints are significant in Bihar’s political landscape. Veteran leaders rarely make big announcements without preparing their supporters. Hints are dropped, public gestures made so that the groundwork is done, and changes become acceptable. Kumar’s repeated endorsement of Choudhary appears to be part of a well-thought-out strategy within the NDA alliance for a smooth transition.
Picture credit social media
