Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose frequent political alliance shifts earned him the nickname “paltu Ram,” made a public commitment to remain with the BJP-led NDA during a Monday rally in Purnea, telling Prime Minister Narendra Modi he would “not go anywhere henceforth.”
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar addresses a rally with PM Modi
Speaking alongside PM Modi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar characterized his previous partnerships with the RJD and Congress as errors in judgment, attributing these decisions to pressure from party colleagues.
“For one or two times, I went to the other side, upon prodding of some of my own party colleagues, one of whom is sitting here,” he stated, gesturing toward Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan’. “But, that is a thing of the past. I could never be comfortable with those people. They always indulged in mischief when we shared power. I am now back. And, I will not go anywhere henceforth.”
#WATCH | Purnea, Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar says, "…We will provide employment, jobs to one crore youth in the next 5 years. Now special assistance is being given for setting up new industries in Bihar, everything is being done…" pic.twitter.com/x1udLX6Onr
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2025
PM Modi’s Response and Policy Highlights
Kumar’s declaration drew smiles and applause from Modi, who shared the platform during the event. The Bihar Chief Minister praised the Prime Minister’s initiatives for the state, particularly highlighting the Union Budget’s promise of establishing a National Makhana Board, which Modi inaugurated in Purnea.
Kumar also emphasized his government’s recent welfare measures, including free electricity supply up to 125 units and increased social security pensions for residents.
Public Display of Support
In a notable moment, the CM asked women in the audience to stand and acknowledge Modi’s contributions to Bihar. “He has done so much for Bihar,” he said. “Khada hokar pranaam kariye. Ye bahut badi baat hai, isliye aap kahe baithe huye ho? Khada ho” (Stand up and greet him. This is a big deal, so why are you still sitting down? Get up).”
The women responded by greeting the Prime Minister with folded hands, followed by sustained applause.
Political History of Alliance Changes
Nitish Kumar’s political journey reflects significant ideological shifts over nearly two decades. After forming Bihar’s first JD(U)-BJP government in 2005, he severed ties in 2013 over Modi’s elevation as BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. He returned to power in 2015 through an RJD-Congress alliance, departed in 2017 to rejoin the NDA, broke away again in 2022 to revive his RJD partnership, and returned to the NDA in 2023.
This pattern of alliance changes has defined Kumar’s political career and earned him widespread criticism for political opportunism.
