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Patna

Man for All Seasons

Nitish Kumar, the longest-serving CM of Bihar, has become the state’s chief minister for a record ninth time, heading the fifth NDA government.

By Dr. Rajkumar Singh | March 2024


Nitish Kumar, the present Chief Minister of Bihar, a State of the Union of India, commands a historic unbreakable record of well-known frequent U-turns who took the oath of his chief ministership 9th time on January 28, 2024 and again returned to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) saying good-bye to Mahagathbandhan of Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) just before the holding of elections to the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of the Indian Parliament.

Nitish Kumar holds a significant position in current Indian national politics, mainly due to his extensive political experience, leadership in the Janata Dal (United) party, and his role as the Chief Minister of Bihar. His political journey, characterized by multiple alliances and a pragmatic approach to governance, highlights his adaptability and strategic acumen, which are crucial in the complex landscape of Indian politics. In addition, his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar has been marked by significant governance reforms and development initiatives, earning him a reputation as an effective administrator.

His efforts in improving law and order, fighting corruption, and promoting economic growth have been notable, contributing to his national stature. Recently, his push for a caste-based census and advocacy for backward caste empowerment, including his own Kurmi community, resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, potentially influencing voter sentiment and political alliances.

Thus, despite criticism for his political opportunism, Nitish Kumar’s ability to navigate the intricacies of alliance politics, maintain a relatively clean image despite long tenures in power, and his experience in both coalition and solo governance make him a key player in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Early Life and Orientations
Born on March 1, 1951, in Bakhtiarpur, Bihar, Nitish Kumar is a prominent Indian politician serving in this capacity multiple times since 2000. He is known for his Janata Dal (United) party leadership. His political journey includes being a Union Minister and a member of the Lok Sabha. His alignment with various political alliances over the years reflects a dynamic political career, including periods with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan, a grand coalition with parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Indian National Congress. Nitish Kumar’s early life was influenced by his father, Kaviraj Ram Lakhan Singh, an Ayurvedic practitioner and a freedom fighter associated with the Indian National Congress. This environment fostered Kumar’s inclination towards politics from a young age.

Despite initially working for the Bihar State Electricity Board, his discomfort with this role led him to pursue a political career. He has a strong educational background, including an Electrical Engineering degree from Bihar College of Engineering (now NIT Patna). Kumar has been known throughout his career for his socialist leanings, influenced by prominent figures such as Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, and others. He played a significant role in the JP Movement during the 1970s and has been recognized for his deft communication skills and ability to navigate complex political landscapes. His tenure as the Chief Minister of Bihar has been marked by various initiatives to improve the state’s governance, law and order, and development.

Political Journey of Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar’s political journey is a testament to his significant impact on Bihar’s political landscape and evolving national affiliations. He first entered politics as a member of the Janata Dal, being elected as an MLA in 1985. In 1994, Kumar co-founded the Samata Party with George Fernandes, marking a pivotal shift in his political trajectory. The Samata Party was established following a split in the Janata Dal, primarily due to ideological differences and political ambitions. Further, his entry into national politics was solidified when he was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996, representing the Samata Party and becoming a Union Minister in the government led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.


As the Union Minister for Railways, he implemented reforms in the department and introduced facilities like internet ticket booking and the Tatkal scheme for instant booking. During this period, he held various portfolios, showcasing his administrative capabilities at the national level. The merger of the Samata Party with the Janata Dal (United) in 2003 under his leadership was a strategic move that strengthened his position in Bihar’s political arena. He first became the Chief Minister of Bihar in 2000, although for a brief period. His real ascendancy in Bihar’s politics came in 2005 when he led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to victory in the state assembly elections. His tenure as Chief Minister has been noted for significant governance reforms, development initiatives, and efforts to improve law and order in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar’s tenure saw significant investments in road construction, improving connectivity within the state and with neighbouring regions. Building bridges and highways facilitated more effortless movement and trade, contributing to economic growth.

A notable aspect of Kumar’s political journey is his flexible alliance strategy. In 2013, he parted ways with the NDA, objecting to Narendra Modi’s candidacy for Prime Minister. He then formed the Mahagathbandhan, a grand alliance including the RJD and the Congress, which secured a victory in the 2015 state elections. However, in 2017, Kumar’s JD(U) realigned with the NDA, citing differences with the RJD, particularly over corruption allegations. Kumar’s political narrative took another turn in 2022 when he exited the NDA and re-joined the Mahagathbandhan, reflecting his pragmatic approach to politics and alliances.

His Contributions to Bihar
Nitish Kumar’s contributions to Bihar have been multifaceted, focusing on various sectors as shown in the following:

Infrastructure Development: His tenure saw significant investments in road construction, improving connectivity within the state and with neighbouring regions. Building bridges and highways facilitated more effortless movement and trade, contributing to economic growth.

Education Reforms: The introduction of schemes like the distribution of bicycles to schoolgirls significantly increased female literacy and school attendance rates in Bihar. These initiatives helped reduce the gender gap in education and increased the overall enrolment of children in schools.

Healthcare Initiatives: Efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and services in Bihar were also a focus, which led to the construction and upgrading of hospitals and healthcare centres, aiming to make healthcare more accessible to the state’s rural and underserved populations.

Law and Order: Nitish Kumar’s administration worked towards improving the law and order situation in Bihar, which had been a longstanding issue. Initiatives to strengthen the police force and judicial processes contributed to a reduction in crime rates.

Economic Growth: Under his leadership, Bihar witnessed considerable economic growth, with improvements in agriculture, industry, and services. Initiatives to support farmers, boost industrial growth and encourage investments played a significant role in this transformation.

Social Welfare Schemes: As Chief Minister of the State, he implemented various social welfare schemes to uplift the marginalized sections of society, including women, the poor, and backward castes. These included scholarship programs, housing schemes, and employment initiatives.

Nitish Kumar’s approach to governance and development in Bihar has been recognized nationally and internationally, contributing to a changed perception of the state and its potential for growth and development.

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