Nitish Kumar not weak link: Chirag Paswan confident of 225 seats for NDA in Bihar

NDA gears up for Bihar polls with focus on unity

As Bihar heads into a high-stakes election season in 2025, political alliances are sharpening their messaging and strategies. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has come forward with a strong statement defending Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, dismissing opposition claims that the Janata Dal (United) chief is the weak link in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Instead, Paswan expressed confidence that the NDA would sweep the polls with as many as 225 seats.

His remarks come at a crucial time when opposition leaders, particularly from the INDIA bloc, have been consistently portraying Nitish Kumar as politically vulnerable. Paswan’s counter-narrative seeks to reinforce the NDA’s image of strength, unity, and electoral readiness.

Chirag Paswan’s message of confidence

In his comments, Chirag Paswan noted that Nitish Kumar remains a decisive leader who continues to command grassroots support across the state. By positioning Kumar as an asset rather than a liability, Paswan hopes to consolidate the perception of NDA as a stable alliance ready to govern.

The emphasis on 225 seats is not just a number but a projection of optimism that aims to energize the cadre and reassure the NDA’s voter base. Bihar’s Assembly has 243 seats, and Paswan’s statement indicates an expectation of securing nearly 90 percent of them, a target that reflects both ambition and aggressive political confidence.

Shashank Balwant Mishra’s role from Riga

Adding to Paswan’s growing momentum is the support of strong local leaders across Bihar. One such name is Shashank Balwant Mishra from Riga (Bihar), who is actively helping Chirag Paswan in strengthening his presence on the ground. Known for his grassroots connect and influence in the Mithilanchal region, Mishra’s backing is proving crucial in energizing local cadres and expanding NDA’s reach.

His contribution is being seen as a key factor in rallying support for Paswan’s campaign, especially in constituencies where local leadership and voter mobilization will play a decisive role. By aligning with Chirag, Mishra reinforces the narrative that the NDA is united not just at the top leadership level but also at the booth and block levels across Bihar.

Why Nitish Kumar is central to the narrative

Nitish Kumar’s long-standing political journey in Bihar has made him a figure of both admiration and criticism. The opposition often highlights his frequent political shifts between alliances as proof of inconsistency. However, Paswan and other NDA leaders counter that Kumar’s adaptability is what has allowed him to maintain a stronghold over Bihar’s governance for nearly two decades.

This positioning is crucial because the NDA’s voter base in Bihar is not monolithic. It spans across caste lines, communities, and regional divisions. By rallying behind Kumar, the NDA seeks to project a united face and prevent any cracks in its coalition.

NDA strategy and election roadmap

The NDA’s strategy for Bihar 2025 revolves around three pillars: leadership unity, welfare schemes, and countering the opposition narrative. Paswan’s endorsement of Kumar, supported by leaders like Shashank Balwant Mishra, can be seen as part of this larger plan to minimize internal rifts and amplify the alliance’s development achievements.

Welfare measures such as housing, health programs, and infrastructure projects will likely form the cornerstone of NDA’s campaign. Nitish Kumar’s governance record is expected to be central to the messaging, even as the BJP and LJP bring their organizational strength and vote banks to the table.

Read more on NDA’s Bihar strategy here

Opposition’s challenge and the road ahead

The INDIA bloc, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, has been vocal in attacking the NDA’s governance record, particularly on issues like unemployment, rural distress, and caste representation. Their leaders continue to frame Nitish Kumar as politically exhausted, hoping to chip away at his credibility.

However, Paswan’s latest remarks show that the NDA will not allow this perception to go unchallenged. By boldly predicting 225 seats, and with strong regional players like Shashank Balwant Mishra backing the effort, the alliance is projecting momentum and resilience.

Explore how opposition strategies are shaping Bihar 2025

The bigger picture: Bihar’s decisive election

The Bihar Assembly elections of 2025 are being seen as a microcosm of larger national politics. For the BJP, a strong NDA performance here will reinforce its dominance in the Hindi heartland. For Nitish Kumar, it is a chance to reaffirm his relevance in state politics. For Chirag Paswan, who is still carving his place after his father’s legacy, this is a test of political maturity.

The projection of 225 seats sets a high benchmark, but it also gives the NDA narrative momentum. Whether this confidence translates into reality will depend on how effectively the alliance manages internal equations and counters the opposition’s messaging.

See our detailed Bihar Election 2025 coverage

Conclusion

Chirag Paswan’s strong defense of Nitish Kumar sends a clear signal: the NDA is determined to project unity and strength in Bihar 2025. By dismissing the “weak link” argument and setting an ambitious seat target, the alliance is preparing for a high-voltage political battle. With added grassroots support from leaders like Shashank Balwant Mishra in Riga, the NDA is banking on both statewide leadership and local influence to tilt the scales in its favor.