Prashant Kishor, the chief of Jan Suraaj Party and a renowned political strategist, has made a bold prediction about the future of Bihar’s leadership, stating that Nitish Kumar will not continue as the Chief Minister after November 2025, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming state assembly elections. The elections are expected to take place in October or November 2025, and according to Kishor, the political landscape in Bihar is set for a significant shake-up. In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Kishor argued that Nitish Kumar is no longer in a position to lead the state effectively, describing him as “physically tired and mentally retired.” He suggested that the Bihar CM is struggling to make even basic political decisions, such as naming his cabinet members and allocating their portfolios on camera.
"Working, voting, and winning elections are very big things. His situation is not such that he can make a big political effort," Kishor remarked, implying that Nitish Kumar's political influence and administrative control have weakened considerably. Kishor’s comments reflect a broader perception that Kumar, who has been at the helm of Bihar’s leadership for nearly two decades, is nearing the twilight of his career.
NDA Coalition in Bihar ‘At the Mercy of BJP’
Beyond his criticism of Nitish Kumar’s leadership, Prashant Kishor also took aim at the broader political dynamics within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. He argued that the coalition, which includes Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) [JDU] and the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP], is no longer operating as an equal partnership. Instead, he asserted that JDU has become merely a "mask" while the BJP holds the real power.
"When there is a division of seats, the JDU may fight for 100 seats, but even if the NDA wins in Bihar in 2025, the next Chief Minister will not be Nitish Kumar. BJP will make their own Chief Minister," Kishor predicted, hinting at a leadership change within the NDA. His statement suggests that the BJP, which has long relied on Nitish Kumar as a key ally in Bihar, is now in a position to assert greater dominance over the state’s politics and could push for a leader of its own choice to assume the Chief Minister’s position.
‘BJP Not a Major Player in Bihar Politics’
Interestingly, while Kishor acknowledged the BJP’s growing influence within the NDA, he also argued that the party is not strong enough to independently dictate Bihar’s political future. He pointed out that despite BJP’s national dominance, the party has struggled in recent elections within the state.
"After the Lok Sabha elections, bypolls to four Assembly seats and one Legislative Council seat were held. Out of these five bypolls, the NDA lost four. The incumbent lost. In Bihar, two-thirds of the voters want change, whether they are RJD or NDA supporters," Kishor claimed, suggesting that anti-incumbency sentiments are running high and could impact the upcoming elections.
While BJP has recently celebrated victories in Maharashtra and Haryana, Kishor believes that Bihar’s political landscape is unique and cannot be compared to other states. He pointed out that BJP has historically contested fewer seats in Bihar compared to other states, indicating its dependence on regional allies.
"BJP workers' morale might be high due to wins in Maharashtra and Haryana, but Bihar is not Delhi or Haryana. Bihar's politics and issues are different. The BJP's strength here is different. Only once has the BJP contested 150 seats out of 243 seats. Normally, it fights on less than 100 seats. And BJP is not strong enough to decide Bihar's political direction on its own," Kishor explained, highlighting the party’s limitations in the state.
Implications for Bihar’s Political Future
Kishor’s remarks carry significant weight, as he has been a key strategist in multiple successful election campaigns in India, including for Nitish Kumar himself in the past. His assertion that Bihar’s political landscape is set for a major shift aligns with the growing speculation that the BJP may attempt to break away from its dependence on Nitish Kumar and install its own Chief Minister. This could lead to a major realignment of political forces in the state.
Moreover, if Kishor’s prediction about Nitish Kumar stepping down proves accurate, it would mark the end of an era in Bihar politics. Nitish Kumar has been one of the state’s longest-serving Chief Ministers, navigating multiple political alliances and maintaining his hold on power for nearly two decades. However, if BJP decides to assert full control over Bihar, Kumar may find himself sidelined, forcing JDU to make difficult political choices.
The upcoming election will not only decide Bihar’s next Chief Minister but will also shape the long-term trajectory of the state’s politics. Whether the BJP manages to establish a Chief Minister of its own, or if opposition parties such as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments, remains to be seen. One thing is certain—Prashant Kishor believes that Bihar’s political landscape is on the verge of a historic transformation, and the 2025 assembly elections could be a defining moment for the state’s future.
