AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has stirred fresh controversy in Bihar’s pre-election landscape by declaring that Nitish Kumar will not be the chief minister even if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) wins the upcoming assembly polls. Speaking at a rally in Kishanganj on September 24, 2025, Owaisi alleged that Kumar’s political relevance is waning and that the BJP is preparing to install a new face as the next CM of Bihar.
“Nitish Kumar is just a placeholder. Even if NDA wins, he won’t be the chief minister. The BJP has already decided to replace him,” Owaisi said, triggering sharp reactions from both NDA allies and opposition leaders. His remarks come at a time when Bihar’s political equations are shifting rapidly, with caste alignments, alliance strategies, and leadership ambitions dominating the discourse.
Bihar Political Landscape – Key Players and Alliances (2025)
| Party / Alliance | Leader / CM Face | Current Status | Election Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA (BJP + JD(U)) | Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) | Incumbent government | Development + caste outreach |
| INDIA Bloc (RJD + Congress + Left) | Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) | Main opposition | Youth + social justice plank |
| AIMIM + Smaller Parties | No CM face declared | Regional challenger | Minority + backward caste focus |
| LJP (Ram Vilas) | Chirag Paswan | Independent contest | Dalit consolidation |
Owaisi’s statement is being seen as a strategic attempt to destabilize the NDA’s narrative and sow doubts among JD(U) loyalists. Political analysts suggest that the AIMIM is trying to position itself as a kingmaker in case of a fractured mandate, especially in Seemanchal and other minority-dominated regions.
JD(U) leaders have dismissed Owaisi’s claim as “baseless and provocative.” Senior leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said, “Nitish Kumar is the face of NDA in Bihar. There is no ambiguity. Owaisi is trying to mislead voters.”
However, BJP’s silence on the issue has added fuel to speculation. While no official denial has been issued, insiders say the party is keeping its options open and may push for a generational shift in leadership post-elections.
Nitish Kumar’s Political Journey – Timeline of Key Shifts
| Year | Political Event / Shift | Impact on Bihar Politics |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Becomes CM with BJP support | Ends RJD’s 15-year rule |
| 2013 | Breaks alliance with BJP over Modi | Joins hands with RJD, Congress |
| 2017 | Returns to NDA, forms government again | Realignment of caste equations |
| 2022 | Joins INDIA bloc, exits NDA | Short-lived opposition experiment |
| 2024 | Rejoins NDA ahead of Lok Sabha polls | Strategic comeback, but weakened base |
Owaisi’s remarks also reflect growing unease among regional parties about Nitish Kumar’s flip-flop alliances and diminishing electoral clout. AIMIM, which won five seats in the 2020 assembly polls, is now targeting over 20 constituencies and has forged informal understandings with smaller caste-based outfits.
The INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav, has seized the moment to question the NDA’s internal coherence. “Even their allies don’t trust each other. Bihar needs stability, not confusion,” Yadav said at a press conference in Patna.
Public Sentiment – Reaction to Owaisi’s Nitish Kumar Remark
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.8M mentions | 72% skeptical | #NitishKumar #OwaisiStatement |
| 1.5M interactions | 78% curious | #BiharPolitics #CMRace2025 | |
| YouTube | 1.2M views | 80% analytical | #OwaisiVsNitish #BiharElectionDebate |
| 980K views | 75% mixed | #BiharCM2025 #PoliticalTwist |
Political observers believe that the BJP may eventually project a younger leader from its own ranks, such as Nityanand Rai or Tarkishore Prasad, especially if the party secures a majority on its own. Nitish Kumar’s age, health, and repeated alliance shifts have reportedly created internal discomfort within the NDA.
Meanwhile, Owaisi continues to sharpen his campaign rhetoric, focusing on issues like minority representation, education, and unemployment. His party is banking on ground-level mobilization and social media outreach to expand its footprint.
AIMIM’s Bihar Strategy – Constituency Focus and Themes
| Region / Zone | Target Seats | Key Issues Raised | Campaign Tools Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seemanchal | 12 | Minority rights, flood relief | Door-to-door, WhatsApp groups |
| Magadh | 6 | Education, healthcare | Local influencers, rallies |
| Mithila | 4 | Unemployment, infrastructure | Youth outreach, social media |
| Bhojpur | 3 | Caste equity, land rights | Community meetings |
As the election season intensifies, Nitish Kumar’s leadership will remain under scrutiny—not just from rivals, but also from within his alliance. Whether Owaisi’s prediction holds true or not, the remark has already reshaped the narrative and added a new layer of uncertainty to Bihar’s political theatre.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, media reports, and verified election data. It does not constitute political endorsement or commentary. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.