“What’s the Need to Contest Assembly Elections Now?” Nitish Asks Chirag
Patna: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Siwan earlier this week, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Minister Chirag Paswan were seen in an animated exchange on stage — a moment that, according to Jamui MP Arun Bharti, was laced with political significance ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.
Bharti told reporters that Nitish directly questioned Chirag about his electoral intentions: “Are you really going to contest the Bihar assembly elections? If yes, from which seat?”
The Janata Dal (United) leader, known for his seasoned pragmatism, reportedly followed up with advice: “You are a Union Minister, a young leader, and your future is bright — so what is the need to contest the assembly elections now?”
Chirag, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), responded that his party was gearing up for the elections and, if the leadership directed him to contest, he would do so — but not without seeking Nitish’s blessings first.
The Chief Minister, in turn, expressed respect for the late Ram Vilas Paswan, with whom he shared a long political association, and extended that sentiment to Chirag. “I worked with your father for years. I have respect for him, and for you too,” Nitish said.
The conversation also touched on the upcoming Bahujan Bhim Sammelan in Rajgir, a social outreach programme reportedly backed by Chirag’s party. Nitish enquired about the event and acknowledged Chirag’s “important role” in Bihar’s political landscape.
