PATNA: A recent statement by renowned election strategist Prashant Kishor has stirred up the political landscape of Bihar. Kishor, known for his influential role in shaping political campaigns, made some bold claims that have garnered significant attention. According to him, if Nitish Kumar had not parted ways with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP would have eventually removed him from the position of Chief Minister. Kishor further asserted that Nitish Kumar has no real affiliation with Tejashwi Yadav and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), suggesting that the Chief Minister is solely focused on retaining his seat until 2025.
In a scathing critique of the Bihar government, Kishor remarked that for the past 32 years, the BJP has been leveraging fear of Lalu Yadav to secure votes, while Lalu has been doing the same by invoking fear of the BJP. Kishor emphasized that if this cycle of divisive caste and religious politics continues, it will perpetuate the existing social divisions. He opined that those who engage in such tactics will soon find their influence waning.
Kishor highlighted that the BJP’s compulsion in Bihar extends only until the Lok Sabha elections. If the BJP had won in the Lok Sabha polls, it would have formed the government in Delhi and subsequently ousted Nitish Kumar from the Chief Minister’s position. Anticipating this scenario, Nitish Kumar strategically distanced himself from the BJP and forged alliances within a grand coalition, ensuring his continuation as Chief Minister until 2025.
Contrary to expectations, Nitish Kumar recently announced that the next election would be fought under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav. Kishor suggested that people are perplexed by this decision, questioning the rationale behind it. However, he affirmed that Nitish Kumar does not make statements without careful consideration. Kishor emphasized that Nitish Kumar neither holds any affection for Tejashwi Yadav nor would he ever seek support from the RJD throughout his life.
Prashant Kishor’s statement has sparked intense discussions and speculation within Bihar’s political circles. It remains to be seen how these revelations will shape the upcoming political landscape and the dynamics between the various parties in the state.