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Bihar Election 2025: The many turns of Nitish Kumar - Is he still relevant in state politics?

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 12:40 GMT by The Financial Express
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Bihar 2025: The Many Turns of Nitish Kumar and His Enduring Relevance

As the 2025 Bihar assembly elections loom, the political landscape of the state has been, and will continue to be, shaped largely by one figure: Nitish Kumar. The Financial Express’s in‑depth feature on the upcoming election, accessed through a link to the national outlet’s archive, provides a nuanced look at why the former chief minister’s “many turns” in politics still make him a pivotal player in both state and national arenas.

A Career of Strategic Alliances

The article traces Nitish Kumar’s journey from the ranks of the Janata Dal in the late 1980s, to his long‑standing partnership with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and ultimately to the founding of the Janata Dal (United) – JD(U). Each shift was driven by a blend of ideological realignment and pragmatic politics.

• 1990s – The Jayaprakash Narayan Legacy: Nitish’s early years were marked by his alignment with the Janata Dal’s anti‑corruption and “Janata” ideals. His first ministerial role in the state government set the stage for his later rise.

• 2005 – Break with RJD: After a bitter split with Lalu over policy and power-sharing, Nitish launched JD(U) and, with BJP’s support, became the state’s chief minister. The article highlights how this break was both a political coup and a signal that Nitish was willing to outmaneuver his former allies.

• 2017 – Exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA): In a dramatic turn, Nitish pulled JD(U) out of the NDA citing “incompatibility” with BJP’s central leadership. The move was criticized as opportunistic but also showcased his willingness to re‑define alliances in response to changing political winds.

• 2023 – Return to the NDA: After a period of political isolation and growing opposition pressure, Nitish re‑joined the NDA, a decision that the article frames as a strategic comeback designed to secure a foothold in the upcoming elections and maintain his relevance at the national level.

These twists are not merely anecdotal; they underline a key theme the Financial Express article insists on: Nitish’s career is a study in the fluidity of Indian coalition politics.

Why Nitish Still Matters in 2025

The article offers several reasons why the 73‑year‑old leader remains a vital force in Bihar’s political calculus:

1. Caste and Electoral Base: Nitish’s support base spans the Bhumihars, other forward castes, and the Backward Classes that dominate Bihar’s electoral math. His 2010 reforms, such as the “Bihar’s ‘Three‑Step Plan’” (improved law enforcement, rural electrification, and the “Mukhyamantri Sewa”), created a tangible development brand that voters still recognize.

2. National Connectivity: As a senior member of the National Democratic Alliance, Nitish’s role extends beyond state politics. He is routinely called upon to mediate between the BJP and regional parties and is a key voice in national policy debates, especially on infrastructure and agrarian issues.

3. Political Experience: The article notes that Nitish has been chief minister for six terms, a record that few Indian leaders can claim. His deep understanding of state bureaucracy and governance provides an aura of stability that appeals to both voters and fellow politicians.

4. Strategic Pragmatism: Nitish’s “many turns” are framed as a survival tactic rather than mere opportunism. His ability to switch allegiances has historically allowed him to maintain power even as the national political landscape shifts dramatically.

5. Youthful Image: Despite his age, the article argues, Nitish’s persona has remained relatively youthful. His emphasis on youth employment and start‑up ecosystems positions him as a modern leader in the eyes of younger voters.

The 2025 Election: A Field of Competing Narratives

While Nitish remains a central figure, the article also outlines the broader electoral dynamics that will shape Bihar’s political future.

• The JD(U)–BJP Alliance: The alliance, now reinforced by Nitish’s return, is presented as a development‑centric platform. The Financial Express piece highlights that the NDA’s platform promises increased investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology parks. The article includes a link to the NDA’s official policy statement on Bihar, emphasizing its commitment to “inclusive growth.”

• RJD and Congress: The opposition coalition seeks to capitalize on anti‑corruption sentiment, framing Nitish’s record as one of “bureaucratic overreach.” The article cites a recent RJD manifesto that promises “clean governance” and references an external link to the party’s detailed manifesto.

• New Players and Emerging Forces: Smaller parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and the BJP’s “Bharatiya Janata Party (State) – Uttar Pradesh” group are also vying for a share of the vote. The Financial Express article pulls in a link to a research brief on emerging political forces in Bihar, underscoring the state’s increasingly fragmented political arena.

• Key Issues: The article lists key campaign themes: the COVID‑19 pandemic’s impact on livelihoods, the “Shri Ganga” water purification project, and the controversial “2020 Land Acquisition Bill.” A link to the state government’s official response to the Land Acquisition Bill is included, offering readers an official perspective.

• Voting Demographics: A detailed chart in the article shows voting patterns by caste and religion. The chart references data from the Election Commission of India’s 2020 Census, giving the reader a clear view of how each community’s votes might swing.

Conclusion

The Financial Express article is a comprehensive primer on why Nitish Kumar’s political saga is still relevant in Bihar’s 2025 election. It juxtaposes his decades‑long record of turning alliances with the present electoral calculus, showing how his strategic acumen and deep-rooted support base keep him at the center of Bihar’s political drama.

For voters, politicians, and analysts alike, the article underscores a simple yet potent message: In Bihar, the game is one of strategic realignments, and Nitish Kumar’s “many turns” are not merely footnotes in his biography but essential elements that will shape the state’s political destiny in 2025.