January 29, 2024
Edited by : Sandeep Dhand (Ludhiana)
In a historic moment for Bihar, Nitish Kumar has sworn in as the Chief Minister for the 9th time, solidifying his position as the longest-serving Chief Minister in the state’s history. Born in 1951 in Bakhtiarpur, Nitish Kumar’s political journey has been marked by resilience and strategic alliances.
Nitish Kumar’s father, a lawyer deeply involved in the freedom movement, instilled in him a commitment to public service. Nitish entered politics by contesting elections with Lok Dal, and his victory in the 1985 assembly election from Harnaut seat marked the beginning of a distinguished political career. Over the years, he has navigated the complex political landscape, establishing himself as a key player in Bihar politics.
Throughout his career, Nitish Kumar has formed alliances strategically, notably with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). His alliance with the BJP proved crucial in several elections, propelling him to the Chief Minister’s seat on six occasions. In a dynamic political landscape, Nitish Kumar demonstrated adaptability by also aligning with the RJD on three occasions.
Under his leadership, Bihar witnessed significant developments, with Nitish Kumar taking stringent measures against extortion, kidnapping, and terrorism during his first term as Chief Minister. His governance style, particularly his commitment to addressing the concerns of the ultra-backward classes, has earned him both praise and criticism.
The 2010 elections saw Nitish Kumar making populist promises, including free bicycles and school uniforms, which resonated with the public, leading to a decisive victory for the BJP-JDU coalition. This electoral strategy of connecting with the masses through tangible promises became a recurring theme in subsequent elections, enabling him to maintain a firm grip on power in Bihar.
In a surprising turn of events in 2022, Nitish Kumar severed ties with the BJP and joined the Janata Dal (United) [JDU]. This realignment reshaped the political landscape, and the NDA, with Nitish Kumar at its helm, has once again returned to power. The opposition alliance, ‘India,’ suffered a significant setback with this political maneuver.
As Nitish Kumar embarks on his 9th term as Chief Minister, political observers are keenly watching how he addresses the challenges facing Bihar. With a legacy marked by resilience, strategic alliances, and a commitment to public service, Nitish Kumar continues to be a prominent figure in Indian politics, shaping the destiny of Bihar in the years to come.