Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-awaited roadshow in Patna on November 2, leading to a wave of political speculation in Bihar. The Prime Minister’s event is being seen as a major show of strength by the BJP and its NDA allies ahead of the Assembly polls. However, Nitish Kumar will not be present with Modi during the roadshow, as he will be campaigning in other parts of the state. The Chief Minister will address several election rallies in Munger, Begusarai, Saharsa, and Madhepura districts throughout the day and is expected to spend the night in Madhepura.
According to official sources, Nitish Kumar’s campaign plan was already fixed and he will not return to Patna on the night of November 2. Instead, he will continue his election tour the next day from Madhepura. While the JDU has clarified that the Chief Minister’s absence is due to prior commitments, many political observers believe that the decision has deeper meaning. Prime Minister Modi’s roadshow is being described as one of the biggest events of the BJP’s campaign in Bihar, and Nitish Kumar’s absence is being seen as a possible sign of unease between the alliance partners.
This is not the first time Nitish and Modi have shared the campaign stage. Earlier, during the Lok Sabha elections on May 12, 2024, both leaders walked together in a similar roadshow in Patna. That event was described as a symbol of unity and strength within the NDA. This time, however, Nitish’s decision to stay away has raised eyebrows and prompted talk about the current state of relations between the JDU and BJP.
The JDU has denied any rift and said the Chief Minister remains fully committed to the NDA’s campaign. Party leaders said Nitish Kumar has already shared platforms with the Prime Minister during this election and will continue to do so in upcoming rallies. They stressed that his absence from the Patna roadshow is purely due to a scheduling issue, not political disagreement. Still, analysts note that the coordination between the two parties seems to be under quiet pressure, with both sides trying to maintain a public image of unity.
As Bihar’s election battle heats up, every political move is being closely watched. Whether Nitish Kumar’s absence is just a matter of timing or a sign of growing distance within the NDA remains uncertain. But one thing is clear — his decision has set off new conversations across the state’s political circles, making the campaign trail even more interesting to follow.
