BJP’s strategic move to appoint Arif M. Khan as Bihar Governor

Khan is known for his outspoken nature and willingness to address critical issues, even when they deviate from conventional expectations.

NEW DELHI: The sudden appointment of 73-year-old Arif Mohammed Khan as the governor of Bihar, a state heading into elections this year, is being seen as a significant political move. Khan, often regarded as a ‘liberal’ Muslim, replaced Rajendra Arlekar, a BJP leader with strong RSS roots.

Khan is known for his outspoken nature and willingness to address critical issues, even when they deviate from conventional expectations. By bringing him to Bihar, the BJP leadership has introduced an entity who is likely to influence public and political discourse in one of the most politically complex states of the country.
Upon landing in Bihar, his first stop was at the residence of former union minister and senior BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey, a representative of the influential Brahmin community. Afterwards, Khan visited former BJP Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, R.K. Sinha. Both Choubey and Sinha are not in ‘power, but are influential figures, known for speaking their minds.

Khan’s arrival in Bihar follows a five-year tenure in Kerala, during which he was at loggerheads with the state government over multiple issues, including the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. This led to him not getting a proper farewell from the government, and an event that was skipped by the Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, and cabinet ministers.
After meeting BJP figures, Khan then went to visit former Chief Minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, in another indication of how politically active Khan is likely to be in the state’s complex political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.
Khan’s political acumen is likely to be put to use following the Assembly election results in Bihar, as BJP supporters believe the party has a strong chance of coming to power on its own for the first time.

Patna-based observers said that Khan is also likely to monitor schemes that are being executed by the central government and ensure the implementation and visibility of these schemes in Bihar, a state where these initiatives often become critical talking points during elections. Khan’s vocal nature and ability to highlight achievements or lapses provide the central government with an indirect yet effective mechanism to shape the electoral narrative.

By taking on this responsibility, Khan might indirectly bolster the BJP’s image without the party having to confront its ally, the Janata Dal United, directly.
The BJP, as an ally of Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), often finds itself in a delicate position, especially on issues where there is a clash of ideology. Khan’s outspoken, liberal, and upright image, however, allows him to raise concerns or push for reforms in areas where JD(U) might lag, serving as a proxy voice for BJP without political consequences.
According to a senior Patna-based journalist, by engaging with opposition leaders, including Lalu Yadav, Khan is trying to position himself as an impartial figure focused on governance rather than partisan politics, potentially disarming critics of the BJP’s intentions.