Political Moves: Nitish Kumar Meets Amit Shah Ahead of Bihar Assembly Polls

In an unexpected political maneuver, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar drove to a Patna hotel on Thursday to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting is seen as a strategic gesture, as both leaders gear up for the impending assembly elections in the state.

Photographs of Kumar presenting a bouquet to Shah, a pivotal BJP strategist, were quickly disseminated on their respective X social media handles. Sources from both political camps, speaking off the record, characterized the encounter as a 'courtesy call'. Yet, insiders acknowledged that the meeting quelled rumors about Kumar's alleged reluctance to engage with BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda during his recent visit.

The election announcement in Bihar looms, with Kumar eyeing his fifth consecutive term. This meeting with Shah follows Kumar's assurance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his commitment to the NDA, distancing from previous ties with the Congress-RJD alliance. Shah's itinerary included meetings with BJP workers in regions underperforming in past elections, illustrating a robust BJP strategy across Bihar.

(With inputs from agencies.)