In a surprising twist of political fate, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation as Bihar‘s Chief Minister on Sunday, marking his second significant political reversal in less than 18 months. Departing from the Mahagathbandhan coalition with the RJD and Congress, Kumar is poised to form a new government with the backing of the BJP. This latest maneuver, regarded by political analysts as a testament to Kumar’s adept political acumen, underscores his knack for retaining power and skillfully navigating the intricate web of alliances while preserving party unity
2000: The First Stint
Nitish Kumar’s political journey commenced in 2000 when he assumed the Chief Minister’s office for the first time after a campaign against the perceived ‘Jungle Raaj’ under RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. However, this inaugural tenure proved ephemeral, lasting merely seven days and receiving support from the BJP.
2005: Alliance with BJP
In November 2005, Nitish took the oath as Bihar CM with the BJP’s support, an alliance that endured for a five-year term. During this period, he focused on governance and developmental initiatives, gaining recognition for steering Bihar towards stability
2010: Return to Power with BJP
November 2010 witnessed Nitish forming a government again with the BJP. This partnership, aimed at consolidating Bihar’s progress, lasted for 3.5 years until May 19, 2014. His governance during this term was marked by an emphasis on infrastructure development and social welfare programs.
2013: Breaking Ties with NDA
A pivotal moment occurred in 2013 when Nitish Kumar severed a 17-year-long alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The catalyst for this break was the announcement of Narendra Modi as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls. This decision reflected Nitish’s emphasis on his secular stance and ideological differences.
2015: Grand Alliance with RJD and Congress
February 2015 marked a new chapter as Nitish formed a grand alliance with the RJD and Congress, making a successful return as Chief Minister. However, disillusionment led to the dissolution of this alliance in 2017, with Nitish citing corruption issues within the RJD. Despite the political challenges, Nitish Kumar’s leadership during this period focused on social justice and inclusive development.
2017: Return to NDA
July 2017 marked Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA fold, taking the oath as Chief Minister with BJP’s support. This tenure lasted for a commendable 3 years, 3 months, and 2 weeks. Nitish continued to prioritize governance and economic reforms, contributing to Bihar’s growth trajectory.
2020: Another Stint with BJP
In November 2020, Kumar again took the oath as Bihar CM with BJP’s support. After this U-turn his tenure lasted till August 2022. The focus remained on sustaining economic development and addressing social issues, showcasing his commitment to the state’s progress.
2022: Joining Hands with Opposition
After breaking away with the BJP in 2022, Nitish Kumar took the initiative of bringing together all opposition forces to collectively fight elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party. This move reflected his determination to create a united front against what he perceived as a challenge to democratic values.
2024: Return to NDA
After a brief stint with the opposition, Nitish Kumar executed a quick about-face by resigning from the Chief Minister’s office. He emphasized that his alliance with the NDA is enduring and asserted that there is no question of going anywhere else, solidifying his return to the BJP-led alliance. This strategic move aligns with Nitish’s pragmatic approach to political dynamics and his commitment to stable governance.
As Nitish Kumar prepares for yet another term as Bihar CM with the steadfast support of the BJP, his enduring political journey stands as a captivating testament to astute strategies and unwavering adaptability in the dynamic landscape of Indian politics. The narrative of Nitish Kumar reveals a story of resilience, political acumen, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of the state he steadfastly leads.
