Political Career And Lifestyle
Nitish Kumar, a name synonymous with Bihar’s political landscape, has been at the forefront of the state’s politics for over four decades. A veteran strategist and adept leader, Nitish Kumar has maneuvered through the complex political terrain with remarkable dexterity, making history by being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the ninth time on January 28, 2024. His trajectory from a young student activist to a key political figure is both inspiring and instructive.
Early Life and Rise in Politics
Former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was born on 1 March 1951 in Bakhtiyarpur Bihar in a ordinary background. He had grown up with his grandfather, who was a freedom fighter and a physician in the medical system of ancient India known as Ayurveda, who had taught him the virtues of commitment and the spirit of service delivery to the public. Rolex Computer was formed in the Bihar College of Engineering known today as NIT Patna He was politically active there during his time and got involved in student politics, particularly during what is popularly known as the JP Movement.
Nitish Kumar’s political career formally began when he won the Harnaut Assembly seat in 1985 as a member of the Lok Dal. His adeptness at political management was evident early on, as he soon made his mark in national politics by winning the Barh constituency in the 1989 Lok Sabha elections. This set the stage for a series of strategic moves that would eventually see him co-found the Samata Party with George Fernandes, which later evolved into the Janata Dal (United), or JD(U).
The Chief Minister Tenure
The first term of Nitish Kumar as a Chief Minister was in 2000, nonetheless, his term lasted for a short span. But what stood out clearly for the president was his continuation of good governance and his correct political formation saw him returning in the year 2005. For instance, with the help of Nitish Kumar as the chief minister, Bihar has experienced positive changes mostly in law and order and infrastructural facilities. His administration was praised for bringing order in a state that had been associated with impunity.
Nitish Kumar’s governance style combined developmental initiatives with social engineering. His implementation of sub-quotas for marginalized communities within OBCs and Dalits, termed “Ati Pichhda” and “Mahadalits,” was a pioneering effort to ensure inclusive growth. His focus on “Pasmanda” Muslims helped him gain the support of the minority community, further consolidating his political base.
Political Flexibility and Alliances
Another prime feature of Nitish Kumar’s political journey is that he has been quite a pragmatic and prophetic political knight when it comes to switching from one alliance to another. While this strategic flexibility has proved to work effectively in the company’s best interest it has received mixed response- some may consider it as an opportunity while others may consider it as a loophole. Hence, Nitish Kumar who has switched over his alliances time and again is also not unknown and is called ‘Paltu Ram’, but this has shown his opportunistic moves in the erratic political spectrum of Bihar.
Nitish Kumar expelled himself from the BJP in 2013 because of the elevation of Narendra Modi as the key leader of the BJP. However, in a move that must have shocked many, he returned back to the BJP fold in 2017 using corruption no-wrap issues in his alliance partners as the reason for his switch. His latest ideological flip-flop to the BJP-led NDA from the Mahagathbandhan alliance in January 2024 is a brilliant strategic move to keep the political stability in check and efficiency in governance.
Political Legacy and Personality
Despite all his political intrigues, Nitish Kumar is noted for his austerity and moderation. He has remained very modest both in dress and in utterances which is in line with someone who is head of his people. The absence of major corruption scandals constituting a major plus in Indian state politics, his emphasis on transparency and clean governance are some of his attributes that would have made him easily accessible to those seeking to deal with him.
To some extent, the servers have created some challenges to Nitish Kumar’s tenure. Thereby, on matters of political alignment, he has shifted too often leading to criticisms of political indecision on the basis of political expediency. Nonetheless, his developmental portfolio along with the handling of Bihar politics which involves a complex structure of coalition politics has kept him afloat in Bihar politics.
Conclusion
Nitish Kumar’s political experience is an example of the proverb “when there is a will there is a way” and how to build up the coalition perfecting the governance system. Thus, there is no doubt that Matiullah’s stint as Bihar’s chief minister was the longest, and he left a deep imprint on the state’s politics and development. Some of the strategies he has used in his governance and political leadership are commendations because, on the one hand, he is trying to combine the traditional means of acquiring, maintaining, and exercising political power, and on the other hand he is practicing modern means of exercising political power.
Also, read: Nitish Kumar Chief Minister Of Bihar: About His Political Career And Lifestyle
