JD(U) invokes ‘Tiger abhi zinda hai’ to signal Nitish Kumar’s resilience

Hours before the counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly elections begins, Bihar’s political circles are abuzz with questions critical to the state’s future—who will form the next government? Will Nitish Kumar return to power once again, or will someone else get the opportunity? What will be Nitish Kumar’s next move if the BJP favours a new face to lead the NDA government?

Exit polls have given a clear edge to the NDA. If these figures prove to be accurate, the return of the NDA government seems almost certain. JD(U) supporters are elated and confident, as some exit polls have even predicted that the JD(U) may win more seats than the BJP. Despite this, uncertainty looms over Nitish Kumar’s political future.

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Political analysts are closely watching the next move of the BJP’s central leadership, particularly the troika of Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and J P Nadda, who have so far refrained from making any commitment regarding Nitish Kumar’s return as chief minister.

On Thursday, a large hoarding was put up by Ranjit Sinha, a minister in the Bihar government, outside the JD(U) office in Patna. The hoarding, featuring Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with the tagline “Tiger abhi zinda hai” (The tiger is still alive), a Hindi action thriller, immediately became the talk of the town.

A detailed caption on the poster described the JD(U) supremo as “the protector of Dalits, Mahadalits, Backward, Extremely Backward, Upper Castes, and Minorities.”

This line is no longer just a slogan. It has become a reflection of Bihar’s political pulse. It is seen as the JD(U)’s attempt to project the party’s strength within the NDA and highlight Nitish Kumar’s political vitality.

During the early phase of the election, there had been speculation about Nitish Kumar’s health. The Chief Minister countered this narrative by addressing 84 public rallies in support of the party’s candidates during the Bihar Assembly elections.

Earlier, Nitish Kumar was seen seeking blessings at various religious places. On Wednesday, he first visited the famous Mahavir Temple near Patna Junction. After completing the rituals, he proceeded to the Patna Sahib Gurdwara, where he bowed his head in reverence. Later, he visited the shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal Shaheed Rahmatullah in Patna and prayed for the prosperity and well-being of Bihar.

Nitish Kumar frequently visits religious places of different faiths as a gesture of respect for all religions and to convey his commitment to inclusive governance.

However, political analysts believe that his recent visits to a temple, dargah, and gurdwara soon after the election were meant to send a clear message, both about his health and his continued respect for all religions, despite being an ally of the BJP.