As Bihar navigates its assembly elections on November 6 and 11, 2025, a prominent question lingers: Why does Nitish Kumar continue to hold sway in the state, seemingly immune to the anti-incumbency sentiments that often plague long-term rulers? Despite holding the Chief Minister's office for the majority of the last two decades, Nitish Kumar appears to be enduring.
Several factors contribute to this resilience. Nitish Kumar has cultivated a loyal voter base through development-focused governance and a relatively clean image. Political analysts highlight his support from the Kurmi-Koeri communities, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), Mahadalits, and women. These groups have largely remained steadfast, drawn to his efforts in improving infrastructure, social welfare, education, and healthcare. Asserting that "being a Bihari is now a matter of pride", Kumar has urged people to once again vote for the NDA in the upcoming assembly polls for faster development of the state.
One of Nitish Kumar's notable strengths lies in his governance and development agenda. Under his leadership, Bihar has witnessed significant improvements in sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. For instance, many locals credit Nitish Kumar for bringing roads and electricity and giving bicycles to school-going girls. He often reels out statistics to compare the law and order situation, the size of state budgets, the numbers of constructed school buildings, high rates of school enrolment, and the numbers of girls bicycling to schools, as his government's contributions.
Moreover, Nitish Kumar has benefited from the decline of his rival, Lalu Prasad Yadav, which has reshaped Bihar's political dynamics, allowing Nitish to solidify his position. Even the fatigued BJP supporter knows that Nitish Kumar is the better option.
However, this is not to say that Nitish Kumar's tenure has been without challenges. Critics point to rising crime rates and persistent economic disparities as major concerns. The increase in the overall number of crimes in Bihar has been 80.2% from 2015 to 2024, as per the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) data. Unemployment and migration continue to plague the state, indicating that development has not been all-encompassing.
Furthermore, Nitish Kumar's propensity for switching alliances has earned him the moniker 'Paltu Ram' (turncoat) and dented his credibility over the years. His political flip-flops to remain in power have also drawn criticism. He was once fondly called 'Sushasan Babu,' for pulling the state out of the depths of crime and poverty.
Despite these criticisms and challenges, Nitish Kumar's enduring appeal in Bihar cannot be denied. His ability to connect with voters, coupled with his focus on development and a fractured opposition, has allowed him to navigate the complexities of Bihar's political landscape and remain a key player.
Looking ahead to the election results on November 14, it remains to be seen whether Nitish Kumar's resilience will translate into another term as Chief Minister. The outcome will depend on various factors, including candidate selection and the ability of the opposition to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments. Despite facing what could be the most testing and defining contest of his decades-long political career, Nitish Kumar's legacy and influence in Bihar politics are undeniable.
