Chirag Paswan makes U-turn: Predicts Nitish Kumar’s return as CM, says 'NDA united in Bihar'

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Monday said that Nitish Kumar will take oath as Bihar Chief Minister again after the assembly elections scheduled later this year. He confirmed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will contest the polls together, with Kumar as the face of leadership in the state.

Paswan’s statement came two days after he said he felt “regret” over having to support the Nitish-led government, alleging it had “surrendered” before criminals. Clarifying his position, Paswan said, “Being an ally of the NDA alliance, it is my responsibility that if there is any information about any issue in the government, we have to discuss and improve it… We are fighting the upcoming Bihar assembly elections under the leadership of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and after winning the elections, he will again take oath as the Chief Minister… The NDA is united in Bihar.”

He also addressed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, stating that the process had taken place four times before and is now being supported by digital technology. Paswan said, “Earlier, one used to go for physical documentation and now online you can submit.” He added that Aadhaar cards lack clarity on the place of birth and that the revision allows for appeals at three levels.

On the issue of alleged voter list anomalies, Paswan said only those wrongly registered will be removed and no injustice will be done to any voter. “We also need to ensure intruders do not take advantage of our voters,” he said. He noted that after every election, the Opposition raises concerns about the voter list, not the electronic voting machines (EVMs). He stated that the process will be implemented across the country eventually, starting with states where elections are due.

Paswan also responded to RJD MP Manoj Jha’s call for a fact-finding committee to assess Bihar’s law and order. “I am a Bihari. I need not send a committee to understand the situation in my state. I know the situation and therefore expressed concern.” On Operation Sindoor, he said it was carried out by the Army, not ministers, and credited the Prime Minister for approving it. “To target Prime Minister Modi, they are putting a question mark on Operation Sindoor. What kind of thinking is this?” he said.