Patna: As the vote count for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections unfolds, Nitish Kumar’s political future remains a key focus. The state’s longest-serving chief minister, Kumar has been a central figure in Bihar’s political scene for over two decades, known for his deft political maneuvers and ability to stay relevant through shifting alliances.
As the Election Commission began counting votes under tight security for all 243 constituencies on Friday, early trends suggested that Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) was well-positioned to play a decisive role in the formation of the next government. His political career has been marked by frequent alliances and realignments, which have shaped the state’s electoral landscape.
A Career Built on Strategic Alliances
Kumar’s journey to the top of Bihar politics began in 2000 when he first became the chief minister. Over the years, he has successfully led both coalition governments and has deftly navigated political shifts, aligning with the BJP, RJD, and other regional players, each time emerging as the central figure in the state.
His ability to juggle multiple alliances has often earned him the label of a “flip-flopper,” yet this very ability has allowed him to remain at the helm of the state’s politics, even as the political tides changed.
From Grassroots to Chief Minister
Born in 1951 in Bakhtiyarpur, Nitish Kumar’s roots in Bihar’s politics trace back to the JP Movement of the 1970s. The movement was pivotal in shaping his political ideology, alongside other leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav. Kumar’s first foray into electoral politics came in 1985 when he won the Harnaut Assembly seat. He later served as a Member of Parliament for Barh and Nalanda before becoming Bihar’s chief minister.
Kumar made his mark in governance through a focus on development and good governance. His leadership is credited with transforming Bihar from a state plagued by the infamous “jungle raj” into one known for improved infrastructure, law and order, and social welfare programs. His initiatives, including in road construction, electrification, education, and women’s empowerment, earned him considerable praise during his tenure in the 2000s.
A Rare Political Strategy
In a departure from political norms, Kumar chose to become a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) in 2006 rather than contest the assembly elections directly, an uncommon decision for a sitting chief minister. This move reflected his unorthodox approach to power and his preference for shaping the state’s political discourse from behind the scenes.
The Political “Flip-Flop”
Kumar’s political career has been defined by his strategic realignments, which have often shocked observers. In 2013, he ended his alliance with the BJP after Narendra Modi’s rise in national politics, only to join forces with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and the Congress for the 2015 elections, forming the Mahagathbandhan.
However, in 2017, Kumar reversed course, citing corruption charges against the RJD, and returned to the NDA (National Democratic Alliance), taking office as chief minister once again.
In 2020, while the NDA won the state elections, Kumar’s JD(U) suffered a significant drop in seat numbers, which started to strain his standing within the alliance. The political climate shifted once more in August 2022 when he broke away from the BJP and rejoined the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, with Tejashwi Yadav becoming his deputy.
Kumar’s unpredictability did not end there. In January 2024, just ahead of the national Lok Sabha elections, he rejoined the BJP-led NDA after leaving the opposition INDIA bloc. This marked his return as chief minister for the ninth time.
The Road Ahead
As the results of the 2025 assembly elections continue to unfold, Nitish Kumar’s future remains as uncertain as ever, despite his decades-long political career. His leadership and the JD(U)’s strategic alliances could once again position him at the forefront of Bihar’s politics, but his frequent shifts in alliances may also fuel skepticism among voters.
As Kumar, now in his mid-70s, eyes another term as chief minister, his ability to adapt to the changing political landscape will undoubtedly play a key role in determining the future direction of Bihar.
