NEW DELHI: Chief minister
Nitish Kumar, the state’s longest-serving leader, stands firm once again, determined to retain his grip on the Bihar throne with the backing of BJP-led NDA partners. Known as an all-weather politician, the 74-year-old continues to command influence, even as the political winds shift and alliances change.
Here’s what’s at stake for Nitish Kumar in the upcoming elections — CM face but no longer 'big brother' for BJP
Renowned for his ability to switch sides while retaining trust, Nitish enters this election amid historic changes. For the first time, the BJP has negotiated equal seat-sharing, ending the long-standing tradition of projecting the JD(U)-led by Nitish Kumar as the “big brother” in Bihar politics.
The seasoned leader faces a formidable challenge from former ally RJD scion
Tejashwi Yadav, the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, who aims to reclaim the political throne Nitish wrested from his family two decades ago.
Apart from Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD, poll strategist-turned-politician
Prashant Kishor is emerging as a formidable challenger with his new political venture, Jan Suraaj.
Kishor has openly taken on his former superior, Nitish Kumar, and the incumbent regime, while sharply criticizing the long-standing bipartisan rule of RJD and JD(U). His campaign presents Jan Suraaj as a fresh alternative, offering Bihar voters a new choice to place their trust in.
Make-or-break moment
The 2025 Bihar elections are a make-or-break moment for Nitish, putting both his personal legacy and his party’s relevance on the line. This will be his tenth bid for the chief ministerial post, after two decades defined by governance reforms, social welfare initiatives, and dramatic alliance shifts that earned him the nickname “Paltu Ram.”
Will image of 'Sushashan Babu' play?
Voters will now decide whether Nitish’s image as the ‘Sushashan Babu’ — the man synonymous with development, stability, and law-and-order — still resonates, or whether political fatigue, policy stagnation, and repeated flip-flops have eroded his mandate.
Anti-incumbency a challenge?
Anti-incumbency is the most formidable challenge, and after nearly 20 years in power, Nitish must convince the electorate of his enduring energy, vision, and ability to govern effectively.
In 2020, JD(U) bore the brunt of anti-incumbency, with its tally falling from 71 seats in 2015 to just 43. The BJP secured 74, while Lalu’s RJD emerged as the largest party with 75 seats, highlighting the volatility and unpredictability of Bihar’s political battleground.
Can Nitish maintain his party’s influence amid BJP rise?
This election is also a crucial test for Nitish Kumar’s party, JD(U), determining its continued relevance and influence in Bihar politics. For the first time, the BJP, already negotiating equal seat-sharing of 101 seats each with JD(U), has positioned itself as an equal partner in the NDA.
As a national party, the BJP has the resources and reach to expand in a state where national parties have struggled over the past three decades. With its strong performance in the last elections, the BJP is emerging as a dominant force in Bihar - a rise that could significantly overshadow JD(U) and diminish its long-held political stature.
Will voters keep Nitish's age and fitness in mind?
Age and fitness for office have also become key talking points, with opposition leaders questioning whether Nitish can still navigate the complexities of governance in a fast-evolving state.
The 2025 election will decide far more than another term for Nitish. It will determine whether JD(U) maintains its stature as a major force in Bihar or is relegated to a junior partner in the NDA. More broadly, it may answer the question looming over Bihar politics: is it finally time for Nitish Kumar to hang up his boots?
Meanwhile, the political stage across Bihar is buzzing with activity. Polling is set in two phases — November 6 and 11 — across 243 seats, with counting scheduled for November 14. Every constituency will be a test of Nitish Kumar’s enduring appeal, his legacy, and the future of JD(U) in Bihar politics.
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