As Bihar gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, the political landscape is heating up, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seemingly solidifying its stance on Nitish Kumar as the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) Chief Ministerial candidate. While the BJP has routinely maintained that the NDA is contesting the elections under Kumar's leadership, they have stopped short of a formal declaration, leading to speculation and uncertainty.

Recent statements from BJP leaders indicate a strong likelihood of Kumar retaining his position if the NDA secures a majority. BJP leader RP Singh stated that the NDA is fighting the Bihar assembly polls under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

The opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has already declared Tejashwi Yadav as their Chief Ministerial candidate. This move has further intensified the focus on the NDA's decision, with many questioning the delay in formally announcing Kumar as their pick.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has criticized the NDA for not declaring its vision, agenda, or Chief Ministerial candidate. He also suggested that the BJP does not want Nitish Kumar as CM, referencing statements made by Amit Shah.

Concerns have been raised about the BJP potentially seeking an upper-caste Chief Minister after the elections, drawing parallels to the political maneuvers in Maharashtra. There, the BJP appointed Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister despite campaigning with Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde as the face of the alliance.

Despite the speculations, the BJP has consistently emphasized Kumar's leadership. The late Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Ram Vilas Paswan had stated earlier that the BJP was fighting the election under Nitish Kumar.

Nitish Kumar's political journey has been marked by shifts in alliances. He initially led a coalition government with the BJP before breaking away in 2013. He then formed the Mahagathbandhan with the RJD and Congress, later returning to the NDA in 2017. In 2022, he once again left the NDA to rejoin the Mahagathbandhan, only to return to the NDA in January 2024.

The Bihar assembly elections, scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, will be a crucial test for both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. The results, to be announced on November 14, will determine the future political landscape of the state.