Patna: A routine meeting over local development issues turned into a major political talking point in Bihar after AIMIM MLA Mohammad Murshid Alam described Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as his “political guru” and said he could “never forget his kindness.” The Jokihat MLA’s statement, made soon after a delegation of three AIMIM legislators met Nitish Kumar, has triggered intense speculation about whether this outreach was merely administrative — or the beginning of a new political alignment.
On Monday, December 8, three of AIMIM’s five MLAs — state chief Akhtarul Iman, Mohammad Murshid Alam, and Sarwar Alam — met the Chief Minister at his residence. They raised objections to the proposed construction of an Army base across several mouzas in Kochadhaman and Bahadurganj, arguing that the project would displace a large population of marginal farmers and damage fertile farmland. The delegation also flagged ongoing river erosion issues in Kochadhaman. Nitish Kumar reportedly assured them of a positive response.
However, what dominated discussion afterward was Murshid Alam’s warm praise of Nitish Kumar. “I may be in another party, but I cannot forget Nitish Kumar’s kindness. I am not ungrateful,” he said. “He inducted me into the JD(U) in 2014 and was the one who brought me into politics. His contribution to Bihar’s progress is significant. If necessary, I will also protest — but I cannot deny what he has done for me.”
Recognising the political ripple his comments created, AIMIM Bihar president Akhtarul Iman moved quickly to clarify: “No other meaning should be drawn from our meeting with the Chief Minister. We met him only on issues related to Seemanchal. No political meaning should be attached.”
Could Owaisi’s MLAs Switch Sides?
Political observers say the possibility cannot be dismissed. Senior Seemanchal journalist Pankaj Bharatiya notes that AIMIM MLAs often struggle to secure development work from the government while in the opposition. “They need support from the ruling party to get work done. This doesn’t necessarily mean joining the JD(U) — conditional outside support is also possible,” he says, adding that Owaisi himself hinted at such flexibility during his recent Seemanchal tour.
Another regional journalist, Ashok Kumar, points to the MLAs’ vulnerability: “Four of the five AIMIM MLAs are newcomers without deep political roots. There is a real risk of them shifting under pressure.” He also recalls the 2022 split, when four of AIMIM’s five MLAs defected to the RJD two years after their victory in the 2020 Assembly polls. Only Akhtarul Iman remained.
Will Nitish Kumar Bring AIMIM MLAs into the JD(U)?
Political analyst Sanjay Singh believes the probability is “50-50.” He argues that Nitish Kumar, if intent on strengthening his numbers, may first attempt to attract Congress or BSP-IIP MLAs before engaging with AIMIM. “Owaisi’s MLAs cannot join the BJP, but Nitish Kumar doesn’t necessarily need them right now,” he says.
Still, Pankaj Bharatiya notes that there is “internal talk” within JD(U) about aiming to become the number one party in the Assembly. The BJP currently leads with 89 seats, while the JD(U) has 85. “To become number one, JD(U) needs 90 MLAs. AIMIM’s MLAs cannot join the BJP, and aligning with the RJD would not help them. That leaves the JD(U) as their only realistic option.”
Why Nitish Kumar Might Want to Become the Largest Party
Analysts identify two tangible advantages.
1. Securing the Chief Minister’s Position
Political analyst Satyabhushan Singh explains that being the largest party gives the Chief Minister stronger constitutional footing during times of instability. “In case of a political break-up, the Governor usually invites the largest party to form the government. If Nitish Kumar reaches 90 MLAs, his position becomes significantly stronger.”
Given the current Assembly arithmetic, even a dramatic shift — such as Nitish Kumar leaving the NDA — remains numerically feasible. JD(U) (85), RJD (25), Congress (6), AIMIM (5), Left parties (3), and BSP-IIP (2) would add up to 126 — comfortably above the majority mark. But the decision would depend on the Governor’s discretion.
2. Reducing Pressure from the BJP
Nitish Kumar currently heads the government with support from the BJP, LJP(R), HAM(S), and RLM. “The pressure from the BJP appears to be increasing,” says analyst Sanjay Singh. “This is evident from the fact that Nitish Kumar had to give up the Home Ministry for the first time. If he becomes the number one party, it will have a psychological and political impact.”
What Happens Next?
For now, AIMIM maintains that its meeting with Nitish Kumar was strictly issue-based. But the emotional language used by Jokihat MLA Murshid Alam has opened the door to speculation — fuelled further by past defections and the current political climate.
Whether this is merely a push for development in Seemanchal or the start of a potential realignment may become clearer in the coming weeks. In Bihar’s fluid political landscape, nothing can be ruled out.
