BJP’s Ashwini Choubey Advocates for Nitish Kumar as Deputy PM
Patna: Senior BJP Leader Advocates for Nitish Kumar as Deputy Prime Minister
In a significant political development, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey has expressed a “personal” opinion that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should be elevated to the position of Deputy Prime Minister. Speaking to reporters, Choubey, who has previously served in Kumar’s cabinet before transitioning to a role at the Centre, articulated his desire to see the Janata Dal (United) supremo follow in the footsteps of the late Jagjivan Ram as the second Deputy PM from Bihar.
The Political Context and Choubey’s Advocacy
Choubey highlighted Nitish Kumar’s substantial contributions to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), emphasizing his role as a stabilizing force and an anchor within the coalition. “Nitish Kumar’s contribution to the NDA is tremendous,” stated Choubey. “He has been strengthening the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is my personal wish that he be made the Deputy Prime Minister. If this wish is fulfilled, Bihar will witness the ascent of another son of its soil, following Babu Jagjivan Ram, to this esteemed office,” he added.
Speculations and Political Maneuvering
Choubey’s remarks have surfaced amidst speculations that the 74-year-old JD(U) leader, who is eyeing a fifth consecutive term in the upcoming assembly elections later this year, might be offered an “honourable exit” by the BJP. Reports suggest that the BJP may be seeking to assert its dominance in Bihar, where it has often played a secondary role to Kumar’s leadership. Previously, BJP figures such as the late Sushil Kumar Modi have claimed that Kumar aspired to become the Vice President and distanced himself from the NDA in 2022 after being overlooked for that constitutional role.
Reactions from Political Allies and Rivals
Despite Choubey’s advocacy, his comments were downplayed by both the JD(U) and the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Neeraj Kumar, JD(U) MLC and spokesperson, referenced a recent interview by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to affirm that “all NDA partners acknowledge the chief minister as the coalition’s leader for the upcoming assembly polls.”
Meanwhile, RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed dismissed Choubey’s remarks, labeling him as a “self-proclaimed spokesperson of the BJP,” and noted that he had been sidelined by his own party. “Of course, the BJP wants to get rid of Nitish Kumar. But Ashwini Choubey should realize that the CM’s chair will be occupied by our leader Tejashwi Yadav. All BJP leaders may daydream about the highest seat of power in Bihar,” Ahmed stated, confidently asserting the RJD’s ambitions for the state’s leadership.