'Ye Baccha Humara Sab Kucch Hai': Bihar CM Nitish's Fresh Hint At Passing Reins To Tejashwi — WATCH

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's display of camaraderie with his deputy Akhilesh Yadav has become a talking point in Bihar's political circles with reactions from the Congress and the BJP.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again dropped a significant hint that he may be considering passing the leadership reins to his deputy, Tejashwi Yadav. The JD(U) leader had initially mentioned this possibility last year, stating that Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD leader, would head the state's ruling Mahagathbandhan in the upcoming assembly elections in 2025. This declaration had stirred tensions within the JD(U) and resulted in the resignation of Upendra Kushwaha, the parliamentary board chief, who alleged that the chief minister had struck a deal with his arch-rival, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, during their alliance.

Recent remarks from Kumar, highlighting his personal friendships with leaders in the BJP, triggered speculation about a potential change in stance. However, the Bihar Chief Minister vehemently denied such a shift during an interaction with reporters, where he had Tejashwi Yadav by his side. In a poignant gesture, Nitish Kumar extended his arm around his deputy's shoulder and remarked, "Now this kid is everything to me." 

This display of camaraderie quickly became a talking point in Bihar's political circles as Akhilesh Prasad Singh, the state Congress chief, offered said, "I do not think there is anything surprising in what the chief minister has said. Please remember that the chief minister has made it clear in the past that he would like Tejashwi to lead the charge in the next elections", as quoted by news agency PTI.

Singh also highlighted Tejashwi's previous contributions, citing his pivotal role in a spirited campaign in 2020 when Mahagathbandhan came close to securing victory.

On the other hand, State BJP President Samrat Choudhary, whose party was estranged by Kumar last year, appeared less impressed. Choudhary remarked, "I am many years younger than Nitish Kumar. I too am a 'bachcha' (kid) before him. Hence, there are no issues if he calls Tejashwi his 'bachcha.'"

"However, those who believe this indicates succession must remember it is ultimately for the people of Bihar to decide," he added, as per PTI.

Choudhary confidently asserted that the public had resolved to elect a BJP government in the next elections, expressing their weariness of both Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar's leadership.