Posters of PM Modi, CM Nitish at JD(U) office stir political buzz in Bihar

In a move viewed as a significant gesture of alliance solidarity ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, posters featuring both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were prominently displayed inside and outside the Janata Dal (United) party headquarters in Patna on Tuesday (July 1, 2025).

For what political observers call a “first in the coalition political history of Bihar”, the JD(U) headquarters at Beerchand Patel Path showcased colourful posters highlighting the achievements of the National Democratic Alliance government. The posters immediately stirred political interest and discussion across party lines in the State.

The inclusion of Prime Minister Modi’s image alongside that of Mr. Kumar in these posters is being viewed as an attempt to present both leaders as central figures in Bihar’s development narrative under the NDA.

Responding to the attention the posters received, JD(U) State president Umesh Kushwaha said, “What’s wrong in these posters? It shows unity of NDA coalition partners and it should be put up in all offices.” When asked if BJP headquarters would reciprocate with similar posters, he said, “That is their discretion, not ours.”

JD(U) spokesperson and senior leader Neeraj Kumar added, “If Nitish is there, there is peace; if Modi is there, there is confidence.” He further said, “The posters, whether about women’s safety, employment or industrialisation, reflect Nitish Kumar’s vision for a developed Bihar. This is about the strength of the NDA and the support of the Centre.”

While JD(U) leaders have indicated their intention to project Mr. Kumar as Chief Minister again should the NDA return to power, the issue remains ambiguous. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a recent statement, confirmed the alliance with Mr. Kumar but refrained from naming a Chief Ministerial candidate.

Reacting to the posters, Rashtriya Janata Dal spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said, “The posters, in fact, reflect how JD(U) has started surrendering to the BJP with the Assembly elections approaching.”

Political analysts have characterised the move as “strategic”. Professor Nawal Kishore Choudhary, a political observer, noted, “This is a deliberate move by JD(U) to showcase unity among the NDA partners. However, it is certainly unprecedented in Bihar politics to display posters of a different party’s leader at another party’s headquarters.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address several rallies across different divisions in Bihar over the next two months. Since January, he has already made four visits to the State.

With the Assembly elections due in October-November, the State Election Office has commenced the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls, a key preparatory step ahead of elections.