New Delhi: Speculations are rife about the impending resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Unlike his previous political maneuvers, insiders believe the veteran JD(U) leader will remain aligned with the NDA. Some suggest he will make way for a BJP-led government in Bihar, with Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, a fellow OBC from the Koeri caste, emerging as the probable successor.This arrangement reportedly facilitated Nitish Kumars reintegration into the NDA. The recent seat-sharing agreement, which saw the BJP contest 17 Lok Sabha seats and JD(U) 16, underscores the BJPs dominant role.Is Nitish Kumars transition mere gossipDespite the buzz, no official comments have emerged from the BJP or JD(U), with most dismissing the talks as mere gossip. However, the speculations gained momentum when Nitish Kumar arrived in New Delhi on Sunday. On Monday morning, he visited 7 Lok Kalyan Marg and is scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah later. While the meetings might be seen as routine courtesy calls, their timing coincides with the BJPs internal preparations for the next council of ministers, fueling further speculation.Speculations regarding Nitish KumarA senior BJP source, speaking anonymously, stated, These are purely speculative talks. I will not indulge into it. However, it is clear that the BJP will not contest the next assembly election under Nitish Kumars leadership or on an equal footing. Nitish Babu is aging and no longer possesses his former political clout. This suggests a potential gradual political sunset for Kumar.Nitish Kumar in the Modi CabinetThe key question remains: Will Nitish Kumar join the Modi cabinet if he steps down as Bihar CM And if he does, will Prime Minister Modi return the railway portfolio to Kumar, a position previously entrusted to technocrats like Suresh Prabhu and Ashwini VaishnawAs the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes are on Nitish Kumar and the BJPs next moves, which could significantly reshape Bihars governance and the broader national political arena.
