Patna: Amid intensifying debates over who will succeed Nitish Kumar, the BJP on Thursday clarified that there is no dispute within the NDA over the face of the chief minister (CM), adding that the name would be collectively decided by the alliance. The debate has gained momentum, especially after Nitish was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, and his resignation from the post is seen as only a matter of time.“The name of the CM will be collectively decided by the NDA leadership, which will be acceptable to everyone,” BJP spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel said in a written statement on Thursday. Stating that Nitish is a senior leader of the NDA, he said his consent will be taken regarding the name of the new CM.
“Nitish has made a significant contribution in advancing Bihar. Whoever becomes the CM in the future will also receive Nitish’s blessings, affection and guidance.” Patel said the BJP’s alliance with Nitish is quite old and that both parties have grown accustomed to working together. “Therefore, when the need arises regarding the name of the new chief minister, the NDA leadership will collectively decide,” he said.On Wednesday evening, senior JD(U) minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary almost dismissed speculation that BJP deputy CM Samrat Choudhary could be a possible successor to Nitish. The buzz had gained momentum shortly after Nitish said, “Aage yehi sab kaam dekhenge” and also placed his hands on Samrat Choudhary’s shoulder at the dais during a public rally in Jamui.Dismissing the speculation, Choudhary said he was present on the dais and that the CM had been quoted out of context. “The CM has often publicly encouraged his colleagues in a similar manner and there is nothing unusual in what he said,” Choudhary told the reporters late Wednesday evening. He added that Samrat, as deputy CM, has been working closely with Nitish, adding, “Aaj nai baat thode hai?”Even as Nitish’s gestures during his ongoing Samriddhi Yatra continue to attract attention, the CM on Thursday appeared to give conflicting signals when he reached Munger as part of his tour. Unlike earlier occasions when he appeared focused on Samrat, he was seen placing his hands on the shoulders of both the deputy CM and Union minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh.
