NEW DELHI: A day after securing a decisive mandate in the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has set the political landscape abuzz by refusing to resign during his visit to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, a move that has deepened speculation about his next steps and exposed new fault lines within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Despite the NDA’s landslide victory, Nitish’s calculated silence and strategic posturing have triggered questions about whether he is actively exploring a Plan B that does not involve the BJP. While BJP leaders claimed on Saturday that the party high command has “no objection” to Nitish continuing as chief minister, developments within the Janata Dal (United) suggest a more complex negotiation underway.
Sources close to the JDU leadership say the party has conveyed to the BJP that there is “no second thought” on the chief ministerial face — a position aimed at preventing any internal tussle or last-minute pressure to elevate a BJP leader instead.
More importantly, the JDU is believed to have laid down a set of conditions for forming the next coalition government with the BJP. These include:
JDU’s claim over the Speaker’s post, seen as a critical safeguard for ensuring legislative stability.
A Deputy Chief Minister’s post for the JDU to strengthen its control within the ruling structure.
An immediate financial package for Bihar to meet development commitments and fulfill promises made in the NDA manifesto.
These demands indicate a strategic shift within the JDU, signalling that Nitish Kumar — having delivered a major electoral win — is not willing to operate under the BJP’s dominance, unlike previous coalition arrangements.
On the other hand Nitish’s refusal to resign and the evolving dynamics with the BJP have also renewed speculation about a dramatic realignment. The Mahagathbandhan (MGB), which won 35 seats, along with the AIMIM’s five MLAs, has already extended an open offer of support to Nitish should he choose to break ranks with the BJP.
While the numbers still favoUr the NDA, political observers note that Nitish’s history of swift and unexpected coalition shifts makes nothing impossible. The offer from the opposition camp, though speculative at this moment, adds another layer of pressure on the BJP to concede to the JDU’s terms.
Nitish Kumar’s decision to keep his resignation in abeyance appears to be a deliberate attempt to maximise bargaining power during post-poll negotiations. The suspense has created a charged political atmosphere in Patna, with both allies and opponents waiting for his next move.
As Bihar watches closely, the central question remains: Is Nitish Kumar reinforcing his authority within the NDA — or preparing for yet another dramatic political pivot?
[Writer is Senior Journalist and Political Commentator]
