Kushwaha says Nitish Kumar did not inherit Bihar chief ministerial seat

At a gathering in Patna’s Bapu Hall, national president Upendra Kushwaha spoke about the legacy of Bihar’s chief ministerial position, contrasting the long tenure of Nitish Kumar with the current holder, Samrat Chaudhary. He emphasised that the seat is earned through struggle rather than inherited.

Kushwaha’s remarks

During the “Vikas Bihar: From Foundation to Construction” event, Kushwaha addressed the audience and said, “Nitish Kumar spent twenty years in the chief minister’s chair – the very chair that Samrat Chaudhary now occupies. The chair and the ideology are different; one is inherited, the other is earned.” He added that while Nitish received an ideological inheritance, the position itself was won after hard work. Kushwaha further noted that as long as the leadership of his party and public support remain, no force can remove Chaudhary from the seat.

Samrat Chaudhary’s response

Chaudhary, who was also present, highlighted the unity that began with the 1994 joint conference of the two communities. He said that this social cohesion later evolved into political strength, helping the parties advance. He pledged to continue working for Bihar’s prosperity and to keep all classes united. Chaudhary used the metaphor of five fingers forming a fist to illustrate how unity creates power.

Political context

The comments come amid the NDA’s preparation for the 2025 elections, where the alliance’s constituent parties are described as “five Pandavas” working together. Chaudhary also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India and Nitish Kumar’s idea of a prosperous Bihar, stating that their joint efforts aim to realise these goals.