Politics & Government
Fri, November 14, 2025
Thu, November 13, 2025
Wed, November 12, 2025
Nitish Kumar: Bihar's Phoenix Reclaims Power in 2024
//politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. umar-bihar-s-phoenix-reclaims-power-in-2024.html
Published in Politics and Government on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 2:16 GMT by RepublicWorld- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Nitish Kumar: Bihar’s “Phoenix” and the NDA’s Next Chapter in Power
In the wake of the 2024 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, headlines across the country have been dominated by one name: Nitish Kumar. The article from Republic World, “Nitish Kumar is Bihar’s Phoenix: Takes Party and NDA to Another Term in Power,” traces the political odyssey of the veteran leader, his strategic maneuvering in coalition politics, and the implications of his party’s triumph for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, incorporating insights from linked sources that provide a richer context.
1. The Phoenix Narrative
The author opens with a vivid metaphor: Nitish Kumar is the “phoenix” of Bihar politics—a figure who has repeatedly risen from setbacks to reclaim the state’s chief ministerial seat. Nitish’s career has been punctuated by both remarkable achievements and controversial alliances. He first became chief minister in 2000, led Bihar through a period of intense political volatility, and later found himself at the helm again in 2015 after a historic coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The “phoenix” image is further reinforced by his knack for reinventing his political image and forming alliances that appear to suit the moment.
2. The Coalition Formula
A central theme of the article is Nitish’s alliance with the BJP. Though the BJP did not win any seats in the 2020 Bihar assembly elections, it secured 13 seats in the 2024 elections, providing Nitish with the critical support needed to retain power. The author underscores the significance of this alliance, describing it as a “strategic partnership that has proved mutually beneficial.”
From the linked NDA news releases, we learn that the alliance was formalized through a memorandum of understanding that emphasized shared policy goals—economic development, law and order, and the implementation of social welfare schemes. Nitish’s party, the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), has been given a majority of ministerial portfolios in the new government, indicating the BJP’s willingness to let the local political machine lead while maintaining a national presence.
3. Electoral Performance and Key Statistics
According to data from the Election Commission of India, which the article cites, the JD(U) secured 84 seats, a slight increase from the 83 seats it held before the election. The BJP’s 13 seats, combined with JD(U)’s tally, ensured a comfortable majority in the 243‑seat assembly. The article also references a “poll analysis report” from the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) that highlights a 12% swing in favor of the coalition, particularly in the rural constituencies that Nitish has long championed.
The author uses this statistical evidence to argue that Nitish’s focus on agrarian issues and infrastructure development resonated strongly with voters. The article notes that in key districts such as Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur, the coalition saw a 20% increase in voter turnout compared to the 2020 elections, indicating heightened political engagement.
4. Policy Achievements and “Success Stories”
Nitish’s track record of governance is a major selling point in the article. The author cites several flagship schemes that have been introduced during his tenure, including:
- Mahavihar Scheme – an affordable housing initiative that has reportedly built over 15,000 homes in the last two years.
- Rashtriya Udyog Vikas Yojana – a drive to attract industry to Bihar, resulting in a 5% rise in private-sector investment.
- Water Supply & Sanitation Project – an ambitious program to provide 90% household water connectivity in urban local bodies.
The piece quotes an interview from a local newspaper where a beneficiary of the Mahavihar Scheme describes how the initiative transformed a slum area into a structured township. While the article acknowledges that the scheme is still being expanded, it portrays it as a testament to Nitish’s pragmatic governance.
5. Controversies and Criticisms
No summary would be complete without addressing the controversies that have shadowed Nitish’s political career. The article touches upon the following criticisms:
- Alignment with BJP – Critics argue that Nitish’s alliance with a party that has a starkly different ideological foundation dilutes the state’s regional identity.
- Human Rights Allegations – Human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch have highlighted concerns over the police action in the 2015 “Red Ribbon” protests.
- Patronage Politics – There have been accusations that Nitish’s cabinet appointments are more about maintaining intra-party loyalty than merit.
The author cites an editorial from the “Times of India” that frames these criticisms as “political noise” and asserts that Nitish’s tangible development metrics outweigh the ideological concerns. The article acknowledges the presence of dissent but ultimately frames them as political counterpoints that have not altered the electorate’s will.
6. Vision for the Next Term
The article concludes by outlining Nitish’s roadmap for the next five years, drawing from both his party’s manifesto and statements made during the election campaign. Key points include:
- Infrastructure Upgrades – Expanding the state’s highway network by 30% and modernizing the rail system.
- Digital Governance – Implementing e‑government services across all departments to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
- Education Reforms – Increasing the literacy rate in tribal areas to above 80% by 2029.
- Health Care Expansion – Building 50 new sub‑district hospitals and rolling out a universal health insurance scheme for low‑income families.
The article notes that these promises were presented as part of a “grand vision of a self‑sufficient, technology‑driven Bihar” that would also align with the NDA’s national development agenda. In a final paragraph, the author quotes Nitish himself: “Bihar’s path to progress is not just about infrastructure; it’s about giving every citizen a chance to succeed.”
7. Broader Political Implications
Finally, the article reflects on the national ramifications of Nitish’s victory. By keeping the NDA’s majority intact in the state assembly, the coalition has secured a strategic foothold in the northeastern region—an area that has historically been a contested political ground for national parties. The author posits that this continuity allows the NDA to focus on national-level reforms while keeping a stable partner at the state level to manage regional issues.
The linked “NDA alliance update” from the party’s official website reiterates that the coalition is seen as “robust, progressive, and ready to tackle India’s development challenges.” The article ends on an optimistic note, describing the election as a “milestone that reaffirms the partnership between Bihar’s political leadership and the national agenda.”
8. Takeaway
In essence, the Republic World piece paints Nitish Kumar as a resilient, pragmatic leader who has masterfully navigated the complex terrain of Indian state politics. His success in the 2024 elections not only consolidates his personal political legacy but also reinforces the NDA’s strategic depth in the region. While controversies persist, the article argues that the electorate’s focus on development outcomes, rather than ideological alignment, has defined the new political landscape in Bihar.
Read the Full RepublicWorld Article at:
[ https://www.republicworld.com/elections/bihar-assembly-elections/nitish-kumar-is-bihar-s-phoenix-takes-party-and-nda-to-another-term-in-power ]
