Prashant Kishor’s Masterplan: Is Chirag Paswan Emerging As NDA’s Next Big Bet In Bihar?

National News: Prashant Kishor, popularly known as PK, has become a storm in Bihar politics. Once a poll strategist, he now runs his own political movement, but his focus seems wider. He has begun attacking established leaders while quietly pushing new faces forward. In Bihar, PK’s tilt towards Chirag Paswan has made many believe he is preparing the ground for a generational change inside NDA. His public comments show clear support for Chirag, something even rivals cannot ignore.

Chirag’s image as clean leader

Chirag Paswan, son of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, has always positioned himself as a clean, youthful, and energetic leader. His supporters highlight that unlike many in the NDA, Chirag is untouched by corruption scandals. In television debates and public meetings, his party has stressed that he is the most popular Dalit leader in Bihar today. With Nitish Kumar ageing and BJP facing internal cracks, Chirag’s team sees this as the right time to step forward.

NDA’s silence raises questions

During recent meetings, NDA allies have avoided giving direct answers about the next Chief Minister. Jitan Ram Manjhi said there is “no vacancy” for CM within NDA, yet whispers inside party corridors suggest otherwise. BJP leaders, worried about allegations of corruption against their senior faces, have remained on the defensive. Meanwhile, Chirag’s supporters believe silence from BJP is a hidden signal that his name could be seriously considered if the situation changes after elections.

PK’s sharp attacks on rivals

Prashant Kishor has launched a direct attack on senior BJP and JDU leaders. He has accused them of running the most corrupt government in India and questioned their credibility. While he gives Nitish Kumar a partial clean chit, he keeps targeting BJP names like Mangal Pandey, Dilip Jaiswal, and Sanjay Jaiswal. PK’s narrative is simple: Bihar deserves a new, untainted leader. This directly boosts Chirag’s image while damaging trust in current power brokers.

The Dalit card in Bihar politics

Caste remains central in Bihar, and Chirag Paswan’s Dalit background is a major factor. His party, LJP (Ram Vilas), is betting that BJP will not risk alienating Dalit voters by ignoring him. PK too understands this card and is highlighting Chirag as a leader who cuts across caste and religion. This strategy could make Chirag the first choice for NDA if Nitish Kumar steps aside, willingly or otherwise, after 2025.

Lessons from the 2020 election

Chirag Paswan showed his disruptive power in the 2020 Bihar assembly polls. By breaking away from Nitish Kumar, he weakened JDU badly and reduced it to third position. Though his own party suffered, Chirag proved he could change the game. This lesson has not been forgotten. Today, he is playing more cautiously, building bridges with Nitish while keeping Modi’s support intact. PK’s guidance ensures Chirag does not repeat his father’s political mistakes.

Bihar’s next big gamble

The road to Bihar’s next Chief Minister is still uncertain, but speculation is at its peak. Chirag’s rising profile, PK’s calculated support, and BJP’s internal troubles are reshaping the NDA’s future. Even if no official vacancy exists now, Chirag’s camp is ready with strategies and narratives. The big question is whether BJP and JDU will accept Chirag or resist him. One thing is clear: Bihar’s politics is entering a phase where Chirag Paswan is impossible to ignore.