The Unstoppable Nitish: 10 Times CM of Bihar

​Today is a huge day for Bihar. The state is all set for a huge event as Nitish Kumar prepares to take the oath as its Chief Minister. But this is not just any swearing-in ceremony. This is his 10th time becoming the Chief Minister of the state. It is a record that shows just how long he has been a key player in Bihar’s politics.

​The grand ceremony is happening at the famous Gandhi Maidan in Patna. It is a place that has seen many historic moments. You can expect a massive crowd and many important leaders from across the country to be there. Top leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including the Prime Minister and other Chief Ministers, are expected to attend, making it a big show of political strength. This event is not just about one man taking an oath. It is a moment that highlights an incredible political journey and what it means for the future of Bihar. The sheer number ten in his tenure is a powerful symbol of his staying power.

​A Timeline of Political Staying Power

​Think about it: 10 times. In a world where politics changes quickly, being the Chief Minister so many times is truly remarkable. It tells a story of huge experience, smart decisions, and the ability to stay relevant for over two decades.

​Nitish Kumar first became the Chief Minister for a short time way back in the year 2000. That first term lasted only seven days because he did not have enough support. But that small setback did not stop him. He came back stronger and truly took charge in November 2005, taking the oath for the second time. He completed a full term then, unlike his first short stint.

​His third oath was in November 2010, again with a big majority alongside the BJP. Then, after taking moral responsibility for the 2014 general election loss, he resigned. He returned quickly to take his fourth oath in February 2015, replacing Jitan Ram Manjhi. Later that year, in November 2015, he took his fifth oath after winning as part of the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) with the RJD and Congress.

​His famous political switch happened in July 2017, when he left the Grand Alliance and rejoined the NDA, taking his sixth oath. He won again in the next assembly election and took his seventh oath in November 2020. He then left the NDA again and was sworn in for the eighth time in August 2022, restarting the Grand Alliance government. Most recently, he took his ninth oath in January 2024, switching back to the NDA once more. And now, today marks his tenth time.

​The Art of the Alliance Switch

​The most fascinating part of Nitish Kumar’s career is his ability to change partners and still keep his position. He is a master of forming and breaking political alliances.

​He has been a key part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for many years. He was the one who led the alliance to victory many times. However, he has also left the NDA and joined hands with his old rivals, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, to form what is known as the Mahagathbandhan or Grand Alliance. Then, he has switched back again to the NDA.

​Each time, he manages to stay in the driver’s seat. This constant switching has led to some criticism, with opponents calling him "Paltu Ram," which means "the one who frequently switches sides." But his supporters see it as political smartness. They believe he is simply focused on Bihar’s best interests and will partner with whoever helps him govern the state better. It is a rare political talent to be so flexible and still be considered indispensable by both sides of the political divide.

​What Makes Him Indispensable?

​Why does Nitish Kumar remain so important in Bihar politics? There are a few main reasons.

​First, is his image of development and clean governance. After the time of what many saw as chaos in Bihar politics, Nitish brought a sense of stability. He made improvements in roads, electricity, and education. Even if the pace has slowed down, this initial good image has stayed with him, earning him the nickname “Sushasan Babu.”

​Second, he has a strong hold over a crucial voter group: the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and his own Kurmi community. These groups form a significant portion of Bihar’s population. By giving them special attention and creating separate voting blocs, he built a solid base of support that few can challenge.

​Third, he is a politician who is seen as having administrative experience. His time as a Union Minister in the central government and his multiple terms as CM mean he knows exactly how the government works. Both the BJP and the RJD understand that winning an election in Bihar is one thing, but running the state successfully needs Nitish Kumar’s kind of experience.

​Major Achievements on the Ground

​Nitish Kumar’s long tenure is tied to several ground-level changes that transformed Bihar.

​One of his most popular moves was the Bicycle Scheme for School Girls. This plan gave a free bicycle to every schoolgirl who reached Class 9. The result was a huge increase in the enrollment of girls in secondary schools, which was a major social reform. This scheme, along with providing school uniforms, was a game changer for women's empowerment in the state.

​He also focused heavily on improving law and order. In his early years, he brought in speedy trials to convict criminals, which helped to change Bihar’s image from a "jungle raj" to a state with better governance.

​Another huge change was in infrastructure. He oversaw a massive drive to build and repair roads, connecting even remote villages. This dramatically improved connectivity and boosted the state's economy. The supply of electricity also improved greatly during his time, becoming a key symbol of his government's progress.

​More recently, he launched the Saat Nischay (Seven Resolves) program, a set of commitments focused on things like piped water supply, electricity to every house, toilet construction, and providing loans for students to pursue higher education. These schemes focused on ensuring basic amenities and empowering the youth.

​He is also credited with leading the state toward prohibition of liquor, which was a major promise to women voters, despite the economic and administrative challenges it created.

​The Grand Ceremony at Gandhi Maidan

​The fact that the swearing-in is happening at Gandhi Maidan is very important. This huge open ground is meant for the public. Holding the event here, rather than inside the Governor’s residence, is a signal to the people. It tells them that the victory belongs to the public and that the new government wants to show its strength and unity to everyone.

​The preparations are grand. Big stages have been set up not just for the politicians taking the oath, but also for all the VIP guests like the Prime Minister and other Chief Ministers. There are arrangements for a cultural program too, showing that this is as much a celebration as a formal government event.

​The large attendance of NDA leaders from all over India, including the Prime Minister, will be a big message. It shows that the entire alliance is fully behind Nitish Kumar’s leadership in Bihar. It also sets the stage for the next few years, where the focus will be on delivering on the promises made during the election.

​Looking Ahead: Challenges of the 10th Term

​While the excitement of the swearing-in is high, the new term comes with big challenges. Bihar is still one of India’s most populous and developing states. The expectations from the public are huge.

​The new government will need to focus on:

• ​Creating Jobs: The demand for jobs for the state’s young population is massive. This is a top priority that the new government must address seriously, especially with the promise of creating one crore new employment opportunities.

• ​Improving Education and Health: While there have been improvements, the quality of education and health services needs a big push, with plans for a medical college in every district and more teachers being hired.

• ​Infrastructure: Building more roads, including several new expressways and new airports, is needed to speed up economic growth.

​This 10th term is a new chance for Nitish Kumar to leave a lasting mark on Bihar. It is a moment to not just celebrate his staying power but to look forward to what he will do next for the people who have trusted him again. The people of Bihar are watching closely, hoping that the promise of good governance and development will continue to be the main focus of this new government.

​Would you like me to find out more about the 'Saat Nischay' program or other welfare schemes for women in Bihar?