Historic Milestone in Bihar Politics
By | Arvind Jadhav
New Delhi: Nitish Kumar is poised to take oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time, marking one of the longest and most eventful leadership tenures in Indian state politics. His re-elevation to the top post reflects continued public faith in his governance model and the enduring influence he holds over Bihar’s political landscape. With this, Nitish enters a rare league of leaders whose administrative innings span multiple decades and coalition experiments.
Governance Legacy and Public Mandate
Across his tenure, Nitish Kumar has built his image on the foundation of “sushasan,” or good governance — a narrative that played a significant role in driving a pro-incumbency wave this election season. From women’s empowerment initiatives to social sector reforms and improved law-and-order mechanisms, Nitish’s governance blueprint remains central to his political appeal. His allies attribute his 10th term to a combination of administrative steadiness and social engineering.
A Roadmap Focused on Jobs and Youth Empowerment
In his upcoming term, Nitish has outlined ambitious targets, the most notable being the creation of one crore jobs in the next five years. He has also proposed the establishment of a skill development university named after Jannayak Karpoori Thakur. This institution aims to modernize vocational training and expand employment opportunities for Bihar’s youth. Additionally, new welfare schemes — particularly those supporting women’s entrepreneurship — are expected to anchor his development agenda.
Coalition Dynamics and Political Stability
The formation of Nitish’s tenth ministry comes with strong backing from alliance partners, who have affirmed his continuity as Chief Minister at least until 2030. The government will function under a coalition arrangement, making alliance management a crucial aspect of stability. While JD(U) leaders project complete unity, observers note that the government’s durability will depend on how well Nitish balances expectations within the NDA framework.
Opposition Strikes a Critical Tone
Opposition parties have already questioned Nitish’s ability to deliver on longstanding issues such as unemployment and outward migration. Critics argue that, despite his long tenure, Bihar still struggles with structural weaknesses that demand fresh political thinking. They also highlight concerns about repeated leadership cycles hindering generational political renewal in the state.
A New Chapter with Big Expectations
As Nitish Kumar prepares to assume office for the 10th time, Bihar stands at a crossroads. His leadership experience, alliance strength, and development promises set the stage for a potentially transformative chapter. Yet, the expectations are equally high — from job creation and women-centric initiatives to improving economic indicators and managing caste complexities. Whether this term reinforces his legacy or reshapes the political contours of Bihar will unfold in the months ahead.
