Patna: In a remark that has reignited tensions within the NDA, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister R.K. Singh has said that Nitish Kumar would not remain Chief Minister for long, even if re-elected.
Singh—who has recently distanced himself from the BJP’s state leadership—urged voters to make a “wise decision” and choose honest candidates rather than follow party lines.
“Now is the election time. I have already told you how important this election is for Bihar’s future,” he said. “If all candidates are corrupt or criminal, press NOTA. But don’t vote blindly.”
“Nitish Won’t Stay CM for Long”
Taking direct aim at the JD(U) chief, Singh said: “Even if Nitish Kumar becomes Chief Minister, he will not last long. The BJP may soon look for another leader. There’s already talk that Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary could replace him.”
The former bureaucrat-turned-politician’s remarks come at a time when the NDA is projecting unity, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sharing the stage in joint rallies.
Criticism Across Party Lines
R.K. Singh also took swipes at opposition leaders, including Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the Grand Alliance’s Chief Ministerial candidate, questioning his educational qualifications and corruption record.
“Tejashwi Yadav isn’t even a matriculate. If he lacks education, how will he run a state?” Singh asked. “He’s also facing corruption charges.”
The former minister criticised the political class as a whole, suggesting that Bihar’s future required a shift away from dynastic and criminalised politics.
“People must vote for honesty and competence. This is about Bihar’s destiny, not party slogans,” he said.
He added that Prashant Kishor and his Jan Suraaj movement were raising “relevant issues,” but cautioned that the outfit had yet to prove itself in governance.
