Bihar Elections 2025: Nitish Kumar vs Tejashwi Yadav – who will be the next CM? Get the latest updates on top contenders, opinion polls, and NDA vs Mahagathbandhan battle in Bihar.
The countdown to the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 has intensified political debates, with voters eagerly watching the tussle between the state’s top contenders for the Chief Minister’s post. While the Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc) has announced RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its CM face, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has yet to reveal whether it will back Nitish Kumar or choose a new leader.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary recently referred to Nitish Kumar as the NDA’s ‘mukhiya,’ but speculation continues about whether the BJP will field its own candidate for the top post. An opinion poll conducted on 1 November suggested that Tejashwi Yadav is currently the most preferred CM candidate among voters, while only 24% expressed satisfaction with Nitish Kumar’s previous tenure.
Top CM Contenders for Bihar 2025
Nitish Kumar: ‘Sushasan Babu’ or ‘Paltu Ram’?
If the NDA manages to secure a majority in the upcoming elections, Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar remains a leading contender for the CM post. Known as the ‘Sushasan Babu’ for his reputation of governance and development, Nitish Kumar has been a dominant figure in Bihar politics since 2005, with brief interruptions.
Born on 1 March 1951 in Bakhtiyarpur, near Patna, Nitish Kumar began his political journey during the JP movement, a student-led protest against the Emergency. He later joined the Janata Party and co-founded the Samata Party with George Fernandes after splitting from Janata Dal. He has served as Union Minister for Railways in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and briefly became Bihar’s CM in 2000. Despite being a seasoned leader, critics often label him “Paltu Ram” for frequently switching political alliances.
Tejashwi Yadav: Cricketer-Turned-Politician
On the other side, Tejashwi Yadav has emerged as the face of the Mahagathbandhan for the 2025 elections. Born in Patna to former CMs Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, Tejashwi initially pursued cricket, representing Delhi in the Ranji Trophy and playing in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils.
Tejashwi entered active politics in 2010, joining the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). In 2015, he contested and won the Raghopur assembly seat, previously held by his mother Rabri Devi. At just 26, he became Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, serving in Nitish Kumar’s cabinet when the RJD-Congress-Mahagathbandhan alliance held power. Known for his youthful energy and grassroots appeal, Tejashwi is considered a strong challenger in the upcoming elections.