Amit Shah on SIR: A Move to Protect Democracy (Source: Wekipedia)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has taken a central and hands-on role in the BJP’s campaign in Bihar as the state prepares for assembly elections. From smoothing internal disputes and pacifying disgruntled leaders to finalising seat-sharing and rallying party workers, Shah’s involvement underscores the high stakes of the upcoming polls.
With the Model Code of Conduct in force, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has finalised ticket allocations: 101 tickets each for the BJP and its key partner Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), 29 for the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP-RV), and six each for the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
As ticket distribution began, several BJP leaders and workers protested being left out, some even filing nominations as independent candidates. According to party sources, this created serious coordination issues within the state unit. In response, Amit Shah personally intervened during his recent visit to Bihar. He held meetings with would-be rebels and persuading them to withdraw independent candidacy, rejoin the party line and support BJP/NDA nominees instead.
In Patna Sahib, after the BJP fielded lawyer Ratnesh Kushwaha, a supporter of mayor Sita Sahu’s son filed as independent. Shah intervened and secured his withdrawal and public commitment to support the BJP nominee.
In Bhagalpur, following ticket denial, the son of ex-minister Ashwani Choubey filed as an independent—but withdrew after a phone call reportedly from the father influenced by party leadership.
Also in Bhagalpur, BJP media panelist Preeti Shekhar had planned to contest independently but after meeting Amit Shah she publicly declared support for the BJP candidate.
Party media in-charge Danish Iqbal told ThePrint that although there were visible signs of dissent after the candidate list was announced, the workers’ frustration was directed at not getting tickets rather than the leadership itself. “When a senior leader like Amit Shah meets them, they tend to listen,” he said.
A BJP leader in Patna described the micromanagement of Shah as “unmatched”, saying that the election is too important for the alliance and the “involvement of senior leadership reflects that."
Shah has also embarked on a high-frequency campaign schedule across Bihar, including over 35 rallies to energise workers, align alliance partners and counter anti-incumbency sentiment.
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