Patna: In a surprising political move ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a new campaign slogan that omits the name of long-time ally and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The slogan, “Vikas ki raftaar pakad chuka Bihar, phir se NDA sarkar,” represents a significant shift from previous election campaigns that prominently featured Kumar.
In 2015, the BJP’s slogan was “Bihar mein bahaar hai, Nitish Kumar hai”, and in 2020, it evolved to “Kyon karein vichaar, theek toh hai Nitish Kumar”. Both slogans celebrated Kumar’s leadership and governance. However, the 2025 version has conspicuously removed any mention of him, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.
Although the slogan has not been officially launched, several senior BJP leaders in Bihar have already begun promoting it on social media, fuelling speculation about the party’s evolving strategy.
Political observers believe this shift could indicate a recalibration of the BJP’s alliance dynamics and a possible rethink of Kumar’s role in the future government.
The omission has triggered a flurry of questions: Has the BJP completed its “Mission Nitish”? Is the party preparing for a post-Nitish era? Or is this a tactical move to broaden the NDA’s appeal beyond a single face?
JDU leader KC Tyagi has downplayed the development, stating it will not affect the alliance. However, the absence of both Nitish Kumar and the JDU from the slogan has led to speculation about internal rifts and succession planning within the NDA.
Adding to the intrigue, Opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav have been questioning Kumar’s health and administrative capabilities, suggesting he is no longer fit to lead. Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has also criticised Kumar’s leadership, advocating for a third front in Bihar.
Despite these challenges, Nitish Kumar has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the NDA, often reiterating his loyalty during joint appearances with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the BJP’s new slogan appears to convey a dual message: it supports Kumar’s leadership while simultaneously laying the foundation for a potential change.
With anti-incumbency sentiments rising and surveys indicating a dip in Kumar’s popularity compared to Tejashwi Yadav, the BJP may be hedging its bets. The new slogan could be a strategic attempt to rebrand the NDA as a collective force, rather than one reliant on a single leader.
As Bihar heads into a high-stakes election, the BJP’s messaging pivot has added a fresh twist to the political narrative — one that could redefine alliances and leadership equations in the state.