With the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 approaching, questions are being raised about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s health. The opposition, especially RJD MLA Bhai Virendra, has claimed that Nitish Kumar is being given something mixed in his food and has demanded an investigation. This issue has sparked a political controversy as the elections are just a few months away.
Posters Targeting Nitish Kumar Appear in Patna
On March 22, 2025, a controversial poster was seen in Patna, near Rabri Devi’s residence, allegedly put up by RJD. The poster had a message:
“I am not a hero, I am a villain. Yes, I have insulted women, Gandhi Ji, and now even the national anthem. Yes, I am a villain.”
Such posters indicate that the opposition is aggressively attacking Nitish Kumar ahead of the elections.
Opposition Finds a New Election Issue
Political analyst Arun Kumar Pandey believes that Nitish Kumar’s recent behavior has given the opposition a big issue. It is not just about the March 20 national anthem controversy, but also other actions by Nitish Kumar that have raised concerns about his health.
The opposition may use this issue to question whether he is fit to continue as CM. However, it remains to be seen who will benefit from this situation. The BJP has remained silent so far, as it is planning its own election strategy.
BJP’s Election Plan: Modi’s Name and Nitish’s Work
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is visiting Bihar on March 29-30, followed by PM Narendra Modi in April. The BJP has already announced that the election will be fought on “Modi’s name and Nitish’s work.”
Nitish Kumar’s health concerns could become a major issue, and it is likely that the BJP will benefit from it in the elections.
Nitish Kumar Still Has Strong Support
Despite the controversy, Nitish Kumar still has a strong voter base, especially among OBC (Other Backward Class) communities. The BJP does not want to lose this support and may not distance itself from Nitish Kumar completely.
Currently, the NDA alliance in Bihar, which includes BJP, JDU, Chirag Paswan’s LJP, and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s party, is in a strong position. The BJP’s strategy is to unite all castes except Yadavs and Muslims to secure victory.
JDU’s Weakening Position and BJP’s Gain
It is also clear that JDU is becoming weaker. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, both BJP and JDU won 12 seats each, but JDU did not get any major ministry in the central government.
Even in Bihar, the recent cabinet expansion saw only BJP ministers being appointed, with no new ministers from JDU. In Patna University student elections, JDU performed well last time, but this year it did not even participate.
All these signs indicate that BJP is gaining more influence, and if Nitish Kumar’s health issue becomes a major topic in the Bihar Assembly Election 2025, it could benefit the BJP the most.