Nitish Kumar Takes Oath for Record 10th Term, Reinforcing His Status as India’s Most Durable Political Leader

With Nitish Kumar sworn in once again as Chief Minister of Bihar at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan on Thursday, he has further cemented his position as one of the most enduring—and arguably the most adaptable—figures in contemporary Indian politics. Assuming office for a record tenth time, Kumar’s return reflects not only his exceptional administrative longevity but also an unparalleled instinct for political survival.

Born in 1951, Kumar graduated as an engineer from the National Institute of Technology, Patna, before entering public life through the landmark JP Movement of the 1970s. Though he began his political journey under the mentorship of Lalu Prasad Yadav, ideological and governance-related differences eventually led to a split in the mid-1990s. Kumar went on to co-found the Samata Party with George Fernandes, laying the foundation for a long-standing alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—a partnership that would shape Bihar politics for nearly two decades.

Kumar’s legacy has been defined by his governance-centric approach, earning him the sobriquet “Sushasan Babu” or the “Good Governance Man.” While his first stint as chief minister in 2000 was brief, his transformative impact began after returning to power in 2005. His subsequent terms (2005–2014) saw major improvements in infrastructure—especially road networks—along with a significant reduction in crime, a period often described as the “restoration of the rule of law” after years of RJD governance. His flagship schemes, such as the Mukhyamantri Cycle Yojana for school-going girls, contributed to increased female enrolment and helped cultivate a loyal women voter base that has often remained with him irrespective of coalition shifts.

Yet, Kumar’s career is equally characterised by his fluid political alliances. From severing a 17-year association with the BJP in 2013 over the projection of Narendra Modi as the NDA’s prime ministerial face, to rejoining the BJP-led alliance in 2017 after a brief return to the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, and once again shifting back to the Grand Alliance in 2022, his moves have consistently reflected a pragmatic approach to staying in power. His most recent recalibration—breaking away from the Mahagathbandhan last year to re-enter the NDA and subsequently leading his coalition to a resounding victory—illustrates his pivotal role in shaping Bihar’s political landscape.

As the undisputed leader of the Janata Dal (United), Kumar has strategically consolidated the support of Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Kurmis, his own caste group, while projecting himself as a champion of development and social reform. His controversial decision to implement statewide alcohol prohibition remains one of the most debated aspects of his governance but continues to define his reformist image.

With his latest oath-taking marking the beginning of a tenth term, Nitish Kumar embarks on yet another chapter in a political career that has repeatedly defied predictions. In the complex and often volatile terrain of Bihar politics, he remains the central figure—a master tactician whose adaptability and resilience have ensured his place at the helm for nearly two decades.