Nitish Kumar’s remarks about Tejashwi spark fresh talks about baton change

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s latest remarks about his Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav have sparked a new political debate in the state.

While speaking to the media alongside Tejasvi on Saturday, Nitish put his arm around the shoulder of his deputy and said, “Now, this kid means everything to me”. This has raised a new question in political circles about whether the Janata Dal (United) supremo was hinting at handing over the baton to Tejashwi, the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Nitish Kumar’s remarks came a day after his mention of “personal friendship” with BJP leaders raised many eyebrows.

Notably, after parting ways with the BJP and forming the Grand Alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Nitish Kumar had declared Tejashwi as his successor on several occasions. He even specifically said that the young RJD leader would ‘lead’ the state’s ruling Grand Alliance when Bihar faces assembly polls in 2025.

Speaking at a public function on Thursday, Nitish mentioned this ‘personal friendship’ with Radha Mohan Singh, a veteran BJP leader who had served in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first cabinet. This led to speculations that it was an attempt to mend fences with the BJP and put pressure on his current allies, RJD and Congress.

However, Nitish on Saturday rejected the speculations. Holding Tejaswi’s hand, the Bihar Chief Minister said, “We are working together for the progress of Bihar”.

The JD(U) leader also said he was appalled to see the manner in which his speech was reported in the media.

When asked about the upcoming assembly polls in five states and INDIA bloc’s performance, he replied, ‘The people’s will is supreme. My sole concern is working for Bihar and lending my support to whatever is beneficial for the entire country.