Nitish Kumar's journey to becoming Chief Minister of Bihar for the tenth time, a feat celebrated with the slogan "Dasvi baar Nitish sarkar," is a testament to his political acumen, strategic alliances, and ability to connect with key voter segments. The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections underscored his continued relevance in the state's political landscape, solidifying his position as a kingmaker.

Crafting a Winning Coalition: Nitish Kumar's strength lies in his ability to form strategic alliances. He has partnered with various parties, including the BJP and the RJD, adapting to the evolving political landscape. In the 2025 elections, he sought re-election with the BJP. According to political analyst Amitabh Tiwari, whichever party Nitish Kumar has allied with has won elections in the past, further cementing his role as a kingmaker in Bihar politics.

The "Sushasan Babu" Image: Over the years, Nitish Kumar has cultivated an image of "Sushasan Babu," synonymous with development, stability, and law and order. His government focused on improving road infrastructure, rural electrification, education, and women's empowerment. These initiatives earned him a loyal voter base, particularly among women and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).

Focus on Women and EBCs: Nitish Kumar's focus on women-centric welfare policies played a decisive role in the NDA's success in the 2025 elections. Women's turnout reached a historic high, with 71.6% of women voting compared to 62.8% of men. Schemes like the Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana and 50% reservation for women in panchayats and urban local bodies have empowered women across the state. He has also consolidated his support base by strengthening welfare and reservation measures for EBCs, who comprise a significant portion of the population.

Overcoming Challenges: Despite his long tenure, Nitish Kumar has faced challenges such as anti-incumbency and questions about his health. In the 2020 elections, his party's seat tally fell, while the BJP gained ground. However, he has managed to navigate these challenges through strategic alliances and a focus on governance. In 2025, Nitish Kumar effectively combatted 20 years of anti-incumbency and voter fatigue.

Electoral Performance: In the 2025 elections, the Janata Dal (United) won 85 seats, marking a significant comeback for the party. The BJP secured 89 seats. The NDA's overall performance was strong, crossing the majority mark. The strike rates of both the JD(U) and the BJP in the election illustrate the scale of the victory.

Impact of PM Modi: Despite local anti-incumbency against Nitish Kumar, voters seemed to have clearly distinguished state issues from PM Modi's national leadership and voted in favour of "Modi ki guarantee". PM Modi's welfare schemes created a strong beneficiary base that rallied behind the NDA.

Nitish Kumar's journey to his tenth term as Chief Minister is a result of his strategic political decisions, focus on development and social welfare, and ability to maintain a loyal voter base. While challenges remain, his continued presence in Bihar politics underscores his enduring influence and ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the state.