Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made an unexpected visit to key party offices on Tuesday morning as voting proceeded in the second phase of the state assembly elections. The move has intensified speculation over the leadership question within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Kumar first arrived at the Patna residence of Union Minister and former JD(U) president Lalan Singh, where the two leaders held a prolonged private discussion. He subsequently visited the Janata Dal (United) war room, inspecting the office and convening a meeting attended by state party president Umesh Kushwaha and senior leader Vijay Choudhary.
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हर कदम विश्वास का, हर कदम विकास का।माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री @NitishKumar जी आज जद(यू) प्रदेश कार्यालय पहुँचे, जहाँ उन्होंने वरिष्ठ नेताओं और कार्यकर्ताओं से मुलाकात कर उनका कुशल-क्षेम जाना।
मुख्यमंत्री जी ने विधानसभा चुनाव में सक्रिय सभी साथियों के परिश्रम और समर्पण के लिए… pic.twitter.com/7nUOVeJjVg— Janata Dal (United) (@Jduonline) November 11, 2025
The visit comes amid ongoing questions within the NDA about the chief ministerial candidate, a topic that has gained prominence in recent days. Voting in the first phase saw a record turnout exceeding 65%, and early reports indicate brisk participation in the second phase as well, bolstering the JD(U)’s confidence in retaining power.
Confusion over the leadership reportedly intensified after Home Minister Amit Shah remarked that while the elections were being contested under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the legislative party would decide the chief minister post-results. Shah’s comments sparked speculation about whether Kumar would continue as Bihar’s leader. Union Minister Lalan Singh later clarified that Shah’s statement was being misrepresented, emphasising that the party follows a tradition of electing its legislative leader—a process under which Kumar assumed office in 2020.
The picture appeared to settle when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed that Kumar would remain chief minister after the elections. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has echoed this assurance in recent days. Yet, Nitish Kumar’s surprise visit to Lalan Singh’s residence has sparked further conjecture: whether it was to review seat assessments, resolve lingering uncertainties over the chief ministerial post, or outline a strategy for government formation post-election remains unclear.
