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Nitish Kumar’s 20-year tenure as Bihar CM is set to end today, with the veteran leader expected to step down as an MLC after his election to the Rajya Sabha.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (PTI/File)
Bihar, the land nourished by the Ganga and steeped in a rich political legacy, has long stood at the centre of India’s democratic churn. From the ancient seat of learning at Nalanda to the mass movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan, the state has shaped national politics in profound ways. In contemporary times, few leaders have influenced Bihar’s political and governance landscape as much as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose career came to symbolise stability and administrative reform in a state once synonymous with disorder.
As he transitions to national politics after being elected to the Rajya Sabha on Monday, March 30, Nitish Kumar’s two-decade-long tenure as Bihar Chief Minister is set to draw to a close today, with the veteran leader expected to step down as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council, marking the end of a defining chapter in the state’s modern political history.
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The state was widely associated with lawlessness and the often-invoked phrase “jungle raj.” Kumar’s early years in office were marked by efforts to rebuild basic governance structures and restore public confidence in the administration.
Bihar’s Turnaround Begins In 2005
When Nitish Kumar assumed office in 2005, Bihar was widely regarded as one of India’s most underdeveloped states, marked by weak infrastructure and poor social indicators. However, official data from the following decade shows notable improvements across several sectors.
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According to government statistics, the length of surfaced roads in the state increased significantly, with thousands of kilometres of rural roads constructed under state schemes and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, improving connectivity in remote districts.
Roads were repaired and expanded, street lighting improved in towns and villages, and efforts were made to ensure that teachers attended schools and police maintained regular patrols.
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School enrolment also rose sharply after the introduction of welfare schemes such as free bicycles and uniforms for girls, while the state’s literacy rate climbed from 47 per cent in the 2001 Census to 61.8 per cent in the 2011 Census.
The education department also reported the recruitment of large numbers of teachers in primary schools during the late 2000s.
In governance and law enforcement, official records indicated a decline in several categories of major crime during the early years of Nitish’s tenure, alongside the establishment of fast-track courts to clear pending cases. Together, these changes helped shape the perception of a shift in Bihar’s development trajectory after 2005.
Women Power Behind Nitish
A recent InkInsight Opinion poll suggests strong support for the Nitish Kumar-led NDA among women voters in Bihar. For many women voters, Nitish Kumar’s appeal is linked to his image as a leader associated with welfare schemes and governance initiatives aimed at improving access to education, mobility and local representation.
In this perception, he is seen not only as a political figure but as someone whose policies have been tied to women’s empowerment and participation in public life.
In the latest Bihar Assembly elections, women played a decisive role at the ballot box, with 71.6 per cent female turnout compared to 62.8 per cent among men, the highest in the state’s history, according to Election Commission data.
Exit polls and post-poll analyses often suggest that women voters have tended to favour the Nitish-led NDA, largely due to welfare schemes such as bicycle schemes for girls, self-help group support and cash-transfer programmes.
‘Paltu Ram’ Jibes, ‘Sushasan’ Legacy
Another defining feature of Nitish Kumar’s long political career has been his ability to navigate shifting alliances. Over the years, he has partnered with the BJP, broken away, aligned with the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan, and later returned to the NDA. Nitish has consistently framed these shifts as political necessities rather than ideological reversals.
Critics, particularly RJD leader Lalu Prasad, have often labelled him “Paltu Ram” for these switches. Yet his supporters argue that his focus has remained on governance — or “sushasan” — rather than rigid ideological positioning, allowing him to adapt without losing relevance.
Equally significant is Nitish Kumar’s public persona. Unlike many Indian politicians known for fiery speeches and mass rallies, he has cultivated the image of a quiet, restrained administrator. His low-key style, combined with a reputation for personal austerity and incorruptibility, has helped reinforce his appeal among sections of voters who value stability and governance over political theatrics.
March 30, 2026, 10:11 IST
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