In a dramatic turn of events that has once again captivated India’s political observers, Nitish Kumar has taken the oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister for an unprecedented 10th time. The swearing-in ceremony, held amidst palpable political tension in Patna, solidified another significant realignment in the state’s ever-fluid political landscape. This latest shift sees Kumar severing ties with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, to once again align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The Latest Political Tumult in Bihar
The political drama unfolded rapidly over the weekend, culminating in Nitish Kumar’s resignation from his position as Chief Minister, dissolving the Mahagathbandhan government. Citing reasons of “uncomfortable” functioning and a deteriorating atmosphere within the alliance, particularly referencing alleged corruption charges against certain RJD leaders, Kumar swiftly initiated discussions with the BJP. This move saw him effectively walk out of an alliance he had forged just over a year ago, in August 2022, when he had similarly exited the NDA.
The swiftness of the realignment underscores the high stakes involved, especially with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The BJP, eager to consolidate its position in the crucial state of Bihar, wasted no time in extending its support, paving the way for the formation of the new NDA government. The numbers game was quickly settled, with the combined strength of JD(U) and BJP, along with smaller allies, comfortably crossing the majority mark in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
Nitish Kumar’s Enduring Political Saga
Nitish Kumar’s political journey is a testament to his remarkable resilience and strategic acumen, earning him the moniker of ‘Sushasan Babu’ (Good Governance Man) among supporters and ‘Paltu Ram’ (Turncoat) among critics. Since first becoming Chief Minister in 2000, albeit briefly, he has consistently remained a central figure in Bihar politics. His stints as CM have been marked by various alliances, shifting between the BJP and the RJD, often surprising observers with his political maneuvers.
His ability to navigate complex coalition dynamics, often emerging as the consensus choice for the top post, highlights his indispensability to both major political blocs in the state. Despite criticism for his frequent alliance changes, Kumar has consistently projected an image focused on development and governance, which has, for decades, resonated with a significant section of the electorate. His 10th swearing-in marks not just a personal milestone but also a stark illustration of the fluid nature of Indian coalition politics, where ideological lines often blur in the pursuit of power and stability.
Commenting on this recurring phenomenon, political analyst Dr. Preeti Sharma observed, “Nitish Kumar’s career is a masterclass in political pragmatism. His ability to switch alliances, yet often maintain a grip on power, reflects not just his individual shrewdness but also the complex, personality-driven nature of coalition politics in India.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead for Bihar
With this latest government formation, the immediate focus shifts to the stability and effectiveness of the new JD(U)-BJP alliance. While the alliance promises to bring a degree of political stability, given their past collaborations, significant challenges lie ahead for Bihar. Issues such as employment generation, infrastructure development, improving healthcare, and education remain paramount for the state, which continues to strive for socio-economic progress.
The reconstituted government will also have to contend with the immediate political ramifications of this switch, particularly concerning the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The strength of the unified NDA in Bihar will be a critical factor in the national electoral landscape. Furthermore, the opposition, now led by the RJD, will undoubtedly intensify its efforts to challenge the new government on various fronts, setting the stage for an intriguing period in Bihar politics leading up to the 2025 Assembly elections. The true test of this new alignment will be its ability to deliver on governance promises and maintain cohesion in the face of both internal and external pressures.
Nitish Kumar’s unprecedented 10th oath-taking as Bihar CM marks another significant chapter in the state’s volatile political narrative. As the dust settles on this latest political upheaval, all eyes will be on how this new government navigates the complex challenges ahead and shapes the future of one of India’s most populous and politically crucial states.
