NDA to fight Bihar polls under Nitish Kumar

Mumbai

Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi on Friday confirmed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership. Manjhi said that all five parties in the alliance, including HAM, agreed on this decision for the polls scheduled in November 2025.

Manjhi added that traditionally, the leader who leads the elections becomes the Chief Minister. "So naturally, Nitish Kumar will be our Chief Minister face. There is no doubt, and we are confident of winning under his leadership," he said.

When asked about his own interest in the top post, the 79-year-old leader said he had no wish to become Chief Minister again. "Due to my age and current responsibilities, I am not in a position to contest elections now," he explained. Manjhi also said he had earlier decided not to stay in politics after 75 but had to contest in 2015 and 2020 due to circumstances.

Manjhi stated that PM Modi has given him ministerial duties, and he is fully focused on his work. "I do not see myself fit for the Chief Minister’s role now and have no such ambition," he added.

He also underlined his party’s strong support for the NDA and praised the progress in Bihar under Nitish Kumar, including improvements in electricity, law and order, and education.

He said people of Bihar believe the "double-engine government" of Nitish Kumar and PM Modi is best for the state’s future. "Every child in Bihar now wants to support the NDA," Manjhi said confidently.