New Delhi : Nitish Kumar will be CM again, said Janata Dal (United) MP and senior leader Sanjay Kumar Jha on Monday, expressing full confidence in the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) performance in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. He asserted that the alliance remains united and focused on the state’s development.
“Nitish Kumar will become Chief Minister, and we will work under his leadership,” Jha told IANS after the NDA officially announced its seat-sharing formula.
According to the arrangement, both the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each. Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) will fight in 29 constituencies, while Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) will field candidates in six seats each.
Jha praised the coordination among NDA allies, noting that the seat-sharing process went smoothly and reflected full consensus. He stressed that Nitish Kumar will indeed remain CM again.
“The NDA finalised the seat-sharing plan after detailed discussions. Our focus is on Bihar’s overall development in the next five years,” he said.
Contrasting the NDA’s unity with the opposition Mahagathbandhan, Jha remarked, “If you look at the other side, there’s neither clarity nor any visible decision-making.”
When asked about the disappointment of some allies, including Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha, Jha acknowledged their feelings but maintained that the decision had everyone’s prior agreement.
“Every leader has expressed their opinion. Naturally, everyone wishes for more seats, but the decision was made collectively after thorough discussion,” Jha said.
Earlier, RLM president Upendra Kushwaha, who received six seats, posted an emotional message on X seeking forgiveness from his supporters. “I seek your forgiveness. I know this decision will hurt many hearts, but there are limitations,” he wrote.
Despite minor discontent, Jha dismissed talk of any major rift within the alliance. He expressed optimism about the NDA’s prospects, reiterating that Nitish Kumar will continue as CM.
“I’m confident our performance will surpass the 2010 results,” Jha added, recalling the JD(U)-BJP alliance’s historic victory that year. “Back then, Nitish Kumar was CM — and he will be again.”
–IANS
