The age-old tradition of dahi-chura (flattened rice in yogurt) feasts during the festival of Makar Sankranti in Bihar has transformed into a sophisticated political theater where power dynamics are negotiated, alliances tested, and electoral strategies subtly orchestrated.
At the heart of this drama stands 10, Circular Road, the residence of former chief minister Rabri Devi, and the historic headquarters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) — a venue that encapsulates Bihar's shifting political currents.
Last year, amid the aroma of dahi-chura and jaggery, Nitish Kumar’s presence at the RJD’s feast symbolised unity within the Mahagathbandhan. In 2025, however, the political stage has shifted dramatically. The camaraderie of the past has given way to sharp political jibes, with Kumar's realignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dominating Bihar’s discourse. These feasts, once purely cultural gatherings, have become crucial barometers of shifting alliances and ambitions.
Nitish Kumar's political journey, viewed through the prism of these celebrations, exemplifies Bihar's intricate power dynamics. The BJP’s strategic embrace of Kumar, alongside overtures to Chirag Paswan, highlights a calculated effort to consolidate the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before the electoral battle. Makar Sankranti, now an arena of political signalling, sees every invitation, presence, or absence analysed for deeper meaning.