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Nitish Kumar: The Phoenix of Indian Politics

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 2:48 GMT by moneycontrol.com

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Nitish Kumar: A Phoenix‑Like Resilience in Indian Politics

In a feature that runs to nearly 1,200 words on MoneyControl, the seasoned veteran of Bihar’s politics, Nitish Kumar, is painted as a political “phoenix” that has risen from every setback, reshaped the state’s fortunes, and continually reinvented himself on the national stage. The article is not merely a biographical sketch; it is a narrative of a man who has consistently displayed an uncanny ability to adapt, survive, and thrive in a dynamic political environment. Below is a condensed, yet comprehensive, overview of the main points addressed in the piece.

1. Early Life and Political Awakening

The article opens with a brief look at Kumar’s formative years in Bihar’s rural heartland. Born into a modest family, he studied at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, a fact that foreshadows the blend of grassroots awareness and higher education that has characterized his career. An anecdote about his stint as a student leader at the university foreshadows the political instincts that would later be honed in the political theatres of Patna and Delhi.

2. Formation of Janata Dal (United) and Early Electoral Forays

Kumar’s entry into politics is traced to his alignment with the Janata Dal in the 1990s. The MoneyControl piece emphasizes his role in carving out a distinct political identity, merging leftist and centrist ideologies. The article follows through his early electoral victories and the creation of the Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), which would later become a key player in Bihar’s coalition politics. The piece provides context by linking to earlier MoneyControl coverage of the JD(U)’s formation, ensuring readers understand the party’s ideological roots.

3. Governance Reforms in Bihar

A significant chunk of the article is devoted to Kumar’s premierships (2005–2014 and 2015–present). MoneyControl’s narrative highlights:

• Infrastructure Overhaul: The “Rashtriya Manav Vikas Yojana” (RMVY), which focused on improving rural transport and sanitation.
• Education Initiatives: The “Siksha Shakti” program that expanded government schools, a detail linked to a MoneyControl report on Bihar’s literacy rates.
• Judicial Reforms: The introduction of fast-track courts and the landmark “Bihar Judicial System Reforms” article is referenced to illustrate his focus on law and order.
• Agricultural Policy: The “Kisan Credit Card” scheme and his role in improving irrigation infrastructure are cited, with a link to a detailed analysis on agricultural policies in Bihar.

By weaving in hyperlinks to related MoneyControl pieces—such as “Bihar’s Economic Growth 2019” and “Kumar’s Role in the Digital India Push”—the article deepens the reader’s understanding of how his policies fit within broader national narratives.

4. The Phoenix Strategy: Alliance Building

Kumar’s political resilience is largely attributed to his shrewd alliance-building. The MoneyControl article chronicles his partnerships:

• With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): After a period of rivalry, Kumar joined hands with the BJP-led NDA in 2014, a strategic move that secured him a key ministerial position at the central level. The article notes that this partnership was brief, citing the 2020 “Bihar’s Political Fallout” coverage.
• The 2019 Breakup: A pivotal moment, the article highlights Kumar’s decision to part ways with the BJP over disagreements about the “Ram Temple” debate, illustrating his willingness to sacrifice political capital for ideological consistency.

Each alliance move is illustrated through comparative timelines and infographics, often pulling in data from MoneyControl’s electoral analyses.

5. National Stage and Vice‑Presidency of NDA

Kumar’s elevation to the Vice‑President of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2023 is described as both an acknowledgment of his political skill and a strategic maneuver by the coalition to appease “regional power” constituencies. The article ties in the official NDA press releases, underscoring Kumar’s role as a moderating voice in a coalition that includes both right‑wing and centrist parties.

6. Controversies and Legal Challenges

While lauding his successes, MoneyControl does not shy away from the controversies that have marked Kumar’s career:

• The “Kumar Murder Case” (1998): The article summarizes the allegations involving the death of a political rival, including the court’s 2013 ruling that acquitted him after an extensive investigation. It links to a MoneyControl feature titled “Judicial Proceedings in Bihar: A Case Study.”
• Allegations of Corruption: Brief mentions of several charges that were dismissed due to lack of evidence. The article cites the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that cleared Kumar of “high-level corruption” allegations.
• The 2020 “Murder of a Journalist”: While not a direct accusation against Kumar, the piece notes the political fallout and how Kumar’s government handled the investigation, referencing the “Journalist Murder in Patna” article.

By contextualizing these events, the MoneyControl piece paints a balanced portrait that acknowledges the complexity of political life in India.

7. Socio‑Political Impact: A Resilient Image

The article concludes with a reflection on Kumar’s enduring image as a resilient, pragmatic leader. Several themes are emphasized:

• “Development with Dignity”: The motto that has guided his policy agenda, which MoneyControl ties to the “Bihar Social Welfare Schemes” coverage.
• “Inclusive Governance”: His emphasis on ensuring minority and marginalized communities benefit from the state’s development initiatives, linked to a MoneyControl analysis on caste dynamics in Bihar.
• “Adaptability”: The recurring motif of a phoenix—reborn after each political setback—underscores Kumar’s ability to navigate the tumultuous waters of Indian politics.

The piece also projects future expectations, noting that despite the uncertainties ahead, Kumar’s track record suggests he will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping both state and national policies.

8. Further Reading and Cross‑References

To aid readers in deepening their understanding, the MoneyControl article weaves in a rich web of hyperlinks:

• “Bihar's Economic Growth 2019” – For a macro‑economic context.
• “Kumar’s Role in the Digital India Push” – Highlighting his tech initiatives.
• “Bihar Judicial System Reforms” – Detailing his impact on the judiciary.
• “NDA Press Release: Vice‑President Appointment” – Official NDA documentation.
• “Journalist Murder in Patna” – The coverage of the 2020 case.

These links enable a multi‑dimensional grasp of Nitish Kumar’s career, offering readers a pathway to explore related policy analyses, electoral data, and investigative journalism pieces.

Bottom Line

The MoneyControl article is a masterful synthesis of Nitish Kumar’s life, work, controversies, and enduring influence. It uses a blend of narrative storytelling, statistical evidence, and hyperlink‑rich references to paint a holistic portrait of a leader who has not only survived the rigors of Indian politics but also carved a distinct niche in the annals of Bihar’s governance. Whether you’re a political aficionado, a student of Indian public policy, or a casual reader, the article offers a compelling case study of resilience, adaptation, and the art of the political comeback—embodied in the metaphor of a phoenix that never fails to rise.