nitish-kumar-s-political-odyssey-a-chronicle-of-alliances-and-breakups

In a political landscape characterised by shifting alliances and strategic manoeuvres, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has emerged as a prominent figure, earning both acclaim and criticism for his political pragmatism. 

 

The narrative of Nitish Kumar's political journey is marked by multiple switches in alliances, earning him the moniker "Paltu Ram" (one who changes sides). Let's delve into the intricate timeline that has shaped Kumar's role as Bihar's longest-serving chief minister.

 

March 2000: The emergence

Nitish Kumar took the oath for the first time on March 3, 2000, ending the rule of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. Supported by the BJP, Kumar's initial stint as Chief Minister lasted merely seven days. The political dynamics of the time led him to join hands with Sharad Yadav, who had earlier been associated with the RJD, forming the Janata Dal (United) in 2003.

 

 

November 2005: BJP collaboration

Kumar returned to power in November 2005, taking the oath as Bihar's Chief Minister with the support of the BJP. This alliance endured for five years, marking a period of stability and governance under Kumar's leadership.

 

 

November 2010: A brief stint

Continuing his association with the BJP, Kumar formed the government again in November 2010. However, this time the coalition lasted for only 3.5 years, until May 19, 2014. The strain in the alliance surfaced in 2013 when Kumar, displeased with the projection of Narendra Modi as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate for the Lok Sabha Polls, decided to sever ties.

 

February 2015: Unusual coalition

In a surprising move, Kumar joined hands with Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD and the Congress to form the government in February 2015. This coalition marked a shift in political equations as Kumar embraced a larger alliance. However, the camaraderie was short-lived, and internal fissures led to the dissolution of the alliance in 2017, completing the remaining term of eight months.

 

November 2015: Return to RJD

Nitish Kumar once again took the oath as Bihar's Chief Minister in November 2015, this time with the support of the RJD. The alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav's party lasted for 1 year and 8 months.

 

July 2017: BJP reunion

Kumar returned to the BJP fold in July 2017, taking the oath as Chief Minister. This period marked a tenure of 3 years, 3 months, and 2 weeks, showcasing the cyclical nature of Bihar's political dynamics.

 

 

November 2020: BJP alliance redux

Continuing his pattern of collaboration with the BJP, Kumar once again took the oath as Bihar's Chief Minister in November 2020. This tenure persisted until August 2022.

 

 

August 2022: RJD and Congress alliance

In a departure from his recent alliances, Kumar formed the government in August 2022 with the support of the RJD and Congress. Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader and Lalu Yadav's son, took the oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. This arrangement persisted until Sunday, January 28, 2024.

 

January 2024: BJP Reunion

The latest twist in Nitish Kumar's political saga involves his return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with the BJP's support. This move marks Kumar's ninth term as Bihar's Chief Minister.

 

 

Nitish Kumar's political journey encapsulates the complex dynamics of Bihar's political landscape, where alliances are forged, broken, and reforged based on strategic considerations and changing equations.