Bihar’s former Chief Minister, Jitan Ram Manjhi, made a controversial claim that the current Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, is in touch with BJP leadership and could return to the fold of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, this comment received a strong rebuttal from Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), the party currently headed by Nitish Kumar. Manjhi stated that Nitish became extra alert after two senior JD(U) leaders approached him with a proposal to install RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the Chief Minister. Nitish vehemently opposed the suggestion, which eventually led to a change in leadership within JD(U). Manjhi added that Nitish has now received assurance of support from the BJP in case a dozen JD(U) legislators decide to abandon the party. This implies that Nitish might switch sides once again. JD(U), however, dismissed Manjhi’s claim and accused him of spreading rumors under BJP pressure. The party’s national general secretary, Rajib Ranjan, urged Manjhi to refrain from making irresponsible statements. Despite JD(U)’s denial, speculations are rife within Bihar’s political circles regarding Nitish Kumar’s potential move. The Chairman of the Legislative Council, Devesh Chandra Thakur, further fueled the rumors by stating that Nitish is his leader and he would follow him wherever he goes. When asked about his position if Nitish returned to the NDA, Thakur affirmed his allegiance, indicating the importance of his remarks. This assumes even more significance in light of reports suggesting that Nitish Kumar is also unhappy with Congress, although he himself has denied such claims. Thakur claimed that he was promised a Lok Sabha ticket from Sitamarhi constituency, currently represented by JD(U)’s Sunil Kumar Pintu, even though seat-sharing negotiations among the Grand Alliance partners, which include RJD, JD(U), Congress, and the Left parties, are yet to commence.