'Another switch expected after polls': Prashant Kishor's big prediction on Nitish Kumar

Prashant kishor

With just over six months remaining for the high-stakes Assembly polls in Bihar, Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party on Wednesday claimed that JD(U) president Nitish Kumar will contest the upcoming Assembly polls in Bihar in alliance with the BJP but may switch sides later, with hopes of another term as chief minister.

In a bold prediction about Bihar’s political landscape, Kishor asserted that Kumar will contest the upcoming assembly elections in alliance with the BJP but may attempt to switch sides later. Addressing a press conference in West Champaran, Kishor claimed that Kumar’s waning popularity would prevent him from securing another term, regardless of the political alliance he joins.

“Anyone can become the chief minister after the elections, except Nitish Kumar. If I am proven wrong, I will abandon my own political campaign,” Kishor declared, emphasizing that public sentiment was not in Kumar’s favor.

Speculation has been rife that Kumar may distance himself from the BJP ahead of the polls, given the party’s reluctance to announce him as its chief ministerial candidate. However, Kishor dismissed this possibility, insisting that Kumar would remain with the NDA for the elections, as he has historically done, except in 2015 when Kishor himself managed his campaign.

Prashant's recent comments should be seen in continuation to a series of attacks on Nitish Kumar. "Nitish Kumar has become tired mentally and physically and is no longer capable of leading Bihar. Now eight to ten months are left, let him enjoy till then.” Kumar has said in January this year.

Additionally, Kishor told media persons here that under no circumstances BJP would allow Nitish Kumar to become Chief Minister of Bihar even after winning next state assembly election, to be held in October-November this year. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi was so impressed with Kumar and he was his so confidant, then Modi should publicly declare Kumar as CM face of NDA during his next visit to Bihar, he added.

"If Kumar is made CM face of NDA, BJP will lose all seats in Champaran ", the Jan Suraaj leader said adding that BJP was using Kumar as its mask only to get votes in next state assembly election. BJP would make its own party leader as Chief Minister replacing Nitish Kumar, if NDA won next electoral battle, Kishor felt.