Will Nitish Kumar Shake Up Bihar Politics Again?

Bihar politics witnesses yet another twist as veteran leader Nitish Kumar secures the Chief Minister’s post for the ninth time, despite BJP enjoying a numerical majority in the state assembly.

Political analysts say the political veteran’s history of strategic alliances and timely shifts has once again left the BJP with little room to assert its claim.

A Career of Strategic Alliances

Nitish Kumar entered politics in 1985 and, in 1994, co-founded the Samata Party with George Fernandes. By 1996, he was elected to the Lok Sabha, becoming a key ally of the BJP, and later served as the Railways and Transport Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1999.

He first became Bihar’s Chief Minister on 3 March 2000, with BJP support, but had to resign after losing a floor test. In 2005, with NDA backing, he returned as Chief Minister. Nitish severed ties with BJP in 2013, allied with RJD and Congress in 2015, but returned to NDA in 2017, forming governments alternately with BJP and opposition parties over the years.

His alliance shifts continued in recent years. He reunited with BJP in 2020, then with RJD and Congress in 2022, before reverting to NDA within two years.

Political Implications

With this history, Nitish Kumar continues to assert dominance in Bihar politics. Analysts note that even though BJP enjoys majority numbers, the party cannot claim the Chief Minister’s post without Nitish’s acquiescence. His strategic maneuvering over the last three decades underscores his unparalleled influence in the state’s political landscape.

Bihar’s political observers are now watching closely to see how Nitish balances coalition dynamics and maintains his grip on power.

Meanwhile, as vote counting for the Bihar polls continues, early trends indicate a comfortable lead for the ruling NDA, leaving the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, headed by Tejashwi Yadav, struggling to catch up. Veteran leader and longest-serving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appears poised for yet another term at the helm.

Also Read: Bihar Results Live: NDA Beyond 200, Mahagathbandhan Reels, Tejashwi Trails