Is There Still Uncertainty Around Nitish Kumar? The Truth Behind the ‘85+35+6 = 126’ Formula Explained

Patna: Political uncertainty around Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar refuses to fade. Despite his repeated assurances since 2024 that he will “not repeat past mistakes,” skepticism persists—largely because Nitish has switched alliances multiple times, from BJP to RJD and back. His earlier “till my last breath” declaration, followed by yet another political reversal, has only fueled public doubt.

The Numbers Fuelling Speculation: 85 + 35 + 6 = 126

Political analysts are deeply engaged in interpreting new numerical combinations circulating in Bihar’s power corridors. The widely discussed equation 85 + 35 + 6 = 126 suggests a potential new grouping within the Assembly.
Meanwhile, another possible alignment—89 + 19 + 4 + 5 = 117—is also being debated.

Although these equations are speculative, they have set off intense discussions about whether there could be another political realignment. In Bihar politics, the concepts of “ally” and “opponent” have always been fluid, as the state has historically witnessed shifting loyalties and unpredictable equations.

Nitish Kumar: Always the Number One in Power

Over the last two decades, Nitish Kumar has consistently remained politically dominant—even when numerically weaker than his partners. Since 2005, the BJP has stood firmly behind him, treating him as the senior partner in the alliance.
Notably, even in situations where BJP had more seats, the party chose to let Nitish lead the government. That trend continues today, with Nitish serving as Chief Minister despite the BJP being the larger party in the 2025 Assembly.

BJP’s state leadership traditionally lacked a towering face beyond Sushil Kumar Modi, allowing Nitish Kumar’s influence to remain unmatched. Even after strengthening its leadership base, the BJP has never attempted to overtake him in terms of stature or position.

BJP’s Consistent Respect for Nitish

The BJP’s support for Nitish Kumar extends beyond Assembly politics—whether in Lok Sabha seat-sharing, legislative council nominations, or civic elections.
Despite JD(U) winning only 2 Lok Sabha seats at one point, the BJP still treated Nitish as an equal partner, even sacrificing five of its won seats in earlier adjustments.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP contested 17 seats and allocated 16 to JD(U)—a rare moment of near parity.

Is This Nitish Kumar’s Last Political Innings?

Political observers note that due to age and health factors, this may be Nitish Kumar’s last full-term position. He is believed to prefer administrative continuity even if he delegates much of the active governance.
This has strengthened perceptions that Nitish is unlikely to switch sides again. However, his past unpredictability continues to shadow this belief.

BJP Has Played by Coalition Rules

The BJP had long announced that Nitish Kumar would be the CM face for the NDA in the 2025 elections—and it kept that promise.
Even the allocation of Home Ministry and the Speaker’s post—initially thought to be points of tension—was resolved smoothly with Nitish’s consent. This has silenced earlier speculation about internal rifts.

Accusations Against BJP Are Baseless

Critics have often claimed that the BJP wanted to sideline Nitish Kumar, especially after 2020. But the BJP repeatedly demonstrated loyalty—insisting he remain CM despite JD(U)’s smaller numbers.
The party’s consistent “coalition discipline” has been evident in every political decision.

Conclusion: Uncertainty or Political Stability?

While mathematical combinations like 85+35+6 continue to stir political chatter, the ground reality suggests that both BJP and JD(U) are firmly aligned for now.
Yet, in a state where political equations can change overnight, observers maintain cautious curiosity.

Whether this newfound stability lasts—or whether Bihar witnesses another historic twist—remains a question only time can answer.