After Amit Shah, Modi also increased Nitish Kumar’s tension.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi sounded the election bugle from Samastipur today, Bihar politics was once again stirred. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was present on stage with him—a sight that symbolized that the BJP and JDU, despite all the ups and downs, are once again united in their mission to “return to power.” But hidden behind this unity is the political reality that this election is not as easy for Nitish Kumar as it once was. In his public meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated the old mantra: “We have to save Bihar from jungle raj and restore good governance.” He launched a scathing attack on Lalu Prasad’s party, the RJD, asking, “When there is so much light, do we need a ‘lantern’?” This sarcastic remark was meant to evoke memories of the people of Bihar of the past, when corruption, crime, and caste politics had held the state back. Modi’s speech wasn’t merely a series of election promises, but an emotional appeal—reiterating the fear of a return to “jungle raj” and asking the public to vote for “good governance.” Describing Nitish Kumar as “the leader of the NDA” from the stage, Modi clearly declared, “This time, under Nitish ji’s leadership, the NDA will secure the biggest mandate ever.” This statement certainly signals support for Nitish, but political pundits know that the BJP leadership is strategically holding back its cards. Indeed, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “For now, we are fighting under Nitish ji’s leadership, but after the elections, the allies will decide who will be the leader,” this statement brought new unease to Bihar politics. This is the first time since 2005 that Nitish Kumar’s position as Chief Minister has been so deeply questioned, and that too not from the opposition, but from an ally. Nitish Kumar’s political journey is itself a story of modern Bihar politics—sometimes with Lalu Prasad Yadav, sometimes against him, and sometimes with the BJP. He is considered the most astute player in coalition dynamics. But now he is at a juncture where the fear of losing power is constantly troubling him. The BJP, once the junior partner, is now contesting an equal number of seats (101 each). This “equality” is not just a test of seats, but also a test of strength. The NDA’s main election message is “development versus jungle raj.” Meanwhile, the Grand Alliance is trying to tell the public that “Nitish’s era is over, change is needed now.” But Bihar voters value stability over emotions. Modi’s speech attacks this emotional stability—he presents development as a crusade and makes the “lantern” a symbol of darkness. Politically, this election is not a question of power in Bihar, but of “legitimacy of leadership.” Will Nitish Kumar be able to maintain his acceptance among his own allies? Does the BJP, now the most powerful party nationally, also want control of the Chief Minister’s post in Bihar? The answers to these questions will be revealed in the vote count on November 14. For now, it is certain that Prime Minister Modi, launching his campaign from Samastipur, has sent a clear message—“The NDA is united, it is strong, and the lantern will now disappear into the darkness.” But how clearly Nitish Kumar’s shadow will be visible in this light will be decided by the voters of Bihar.