Patna, Bihar – Union Home Minister Amit Shah has affirmed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will contest the Bihar Assembly elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Shah's statement seeks to dispel any speculation of rifts within the NDA coalition in Bihar.

Speaking at a media event on Thursday, Shah lauded Kumar as a prominent leader, highlighting his role in the JP movement and during the Emergency. "We are fighting the elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is also leading our election campaign," Shah stated. He expressed confidence in the NDA's alliance partners and their prospects in the upcoming polls.

On Friday, Shah met with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at his residence in Patna, coinciding with the final day for filing nominations for the first phase of the Bihar elections. The 243-member Bihar Assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14.

Shah clarified that while Nitish Kumar is leading the NDA campaign, the decision on who will be the Chief Minister will be made after the elections by the elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). He explained that after the elections, the elected leaders of each coalition partner will convene to decide who will head the next government.

Bihar BJP president Dilip Kumar Jaiswal echoed Shah's sentiment, confirming that Kumar would be the NDA's face for the assembly polls. Speaking at a media event, Jaiswal emphasized the strong working relationship within the NDA and affirmed that the alliance would continue to work under Kumar's leadership in the future.

Amit Shah also took the opportunity to criticize the opposition parties, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its leader, Lalu Prasad Yadav. He challenged the opposition to compare their track record with the development work carried out by the NDA government in Bihar. Shah highlighted the NDA's achievements, including the construction of new airports, the establishment of the Makhana Board, and efforts to manage the Kosi River's floods. He stated that the NDA government has ensured electricity and water reach every house in Bihar.

Several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states are also visiting Bihar to support candidates and rally workers. These leaders are participating in nomination rallies and public meetings across the state.

The BJP and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) are contesting 101 seats each in the Bihar Assembly elections. Other NDA allies, including Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, have also announced their candidates for their respective share of seats.