The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections were widely viewed as a critical test for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Yet once again, the JD(U) chief has demonstrated his political resilience, steering the NDA to a strong performance and reaffirming his central role in Bihar’s politics—over two decades after he first took charge.
Often criticised by opponents as “paltu ram” for his political shifts, Nitish Kumar has nonetheless maintained a firm hold on his support base. His enduring popularity is rooted in a governance style focused on tangible development, welfare delivery, and inclusive growth. From upgrading rural infrastructure to direct financial assistance for marginalised communities, his fulfilled promises have helped him retain voters’ trust across socio-economic groups.
Recent initiatives—such as enhanced pensions for widows, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, salary hikes for school night guards and PT teachers, and ₹10,000 assistance to nearly one crore women—have further bolstered his image as a leader committed to grassroots welfare.
Nitish’s appeal cuts across caste lines, with notable support from Hindu upper castes, Kushwahas, Paswans, Musahars, and Mallahs. His consistent outreach to marginalised communities, including Muslims, has helped reduce long-standing social divides and strengthen his influence.
Early election trends indicate strong support for the NDA, with JD(U) making significant gains. As of 11 a.m., JD(U) was leading in 77 seats, recording a gain of 34 seats over its 2020 performance, while the NDA collectively led in 180 seats, well above the majority mark. This comes despite pre-poll speculation that Nitish Kumar was the alliance’s weak link, captured in hoardings reading “25 se 30, phir se Nitish.”
Bihar also witnessed a record 67.13% voter turnout, which political analysts attribute to high electoral engagement rather than anti-incumbency.
Nitish’s political longevity reflects his adaptability and strategic acumen—earning him the moniker “Chanakya” of Bihar politics. His journey spans decades, shaped by mentors like Ram Manohar Lohia, S.N. Sinha, Karpuri Thakur, and V.P. Singh, and honed through the JP Movement (1974–77). After joining the Janata Party, he won his first Assembly seat from Harnaut in 1985 and later entered Parliament from Barh in 1996.
As Railway Minister (2001–04), he introduced several people-centric reforms—expanding concessions, improving accessibility for disabled passengers, and pushing for major gauge conversions. These initiatives enhanced his national profile.
His first tenure as Chief Minister in 2000 lasted only seven days, but it marked a turning point. Since 2005, barring a brief nine-month interruption, Nitish has remained firmly in power—making him one of India’s longest-serving Chief Ministers. If re-elected this term, he could join leaders like Pawan Kumar Chamling, Naveen Patnaik, and Jyoti Basu, who have held office for over two decades.
With the NDA’s strong showing in the 2025 election and JD(U)’s renewed strength, Nitish Kumar once again proves why he is described as Bihar’s “Phoenix”—a leader who repeatedly reinvents himself and rises stronger each time.
