Nitish Kumar’s political journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of Bihar, one of India’s most politically volatile and economically backward states. From his early days as a student leader to his multiple terms as the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar’s leadership has transformed the state, particularly in areas like infrastructure development, governance, and social justice. Despite facing numerous political challenges, Kumar has emerged as one of the most influential leaders in modern Indian politics, and his success story is an inspiring example of overcoming adversity through political acumen and perseverance.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born on March 1, 1951, in a small village called Kalyan Bigha in Nalanda district, Bihar, Nitish Kumar was raised in a humble family. His father, a teacher, instilled in him the values of education and hard work. Kumar attended the Bihar College of Engineering (now part of NIT Patna) where he studied mechanical engineering. However, it was during his student years that he first became involved in politics, influenced by the growing political and social unrest of the 1970s.
Nitish’s initial political involvement was marked by his association with the student protests during the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. He joined the movement led by the legendary socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan. The Emergency years, characterized by curbs on civil liberties and rampant political repression, became a turning point for Kumar. He was arrested for his active participation in the movement and spent several months in jail. This experience laid the foundation for his long and eventful political career.
Joining the Janata Party and Rise in Politics
After the Emergency ended, Nitish Kumar joined the Janata Party, a political alliance that emerged from the struggle against Indira Gandhi’s autocratic rule. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his organizational skills, dedication, and ability to connect with people on the ground. His association with veteran socialist leaders like George Fernandes and his deep-rooted belief in social justice began to define his political ideology.
In 1985, Kumar was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly for the first time. This victory marked the beginning of his successful political career. His early work focused on the issues that directly impacted the common man, particularly those related to education, rural development, and social justice. Kumar’s ability to empathize with the struggles of Bihar’s poor and marginalized communities became a hallmark of his leadership style.
The Road to Chief Ministership
Nitish Kumar’s political career took another leap when he became a key member of the Janata Dal (JD), which was formed in 1988 following the merger of the Janata Party and other socialist groups. His association with this party helped him gain a national profile. In the early 1990s, he became a close ally of the then Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, and held various ministerial positions in the central government. His work in the Ministry of Agriculture and later as the Union Minister for Railways was recognized for its focus on infrastructure development and modernization.
However, it was his return to Bihar that defined the trajectory of his political career. In 2000, Nitish Kumar became the Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time, leading the state for a brief period. However, due to internal political turmoil, he resigned, and the state was thrown back into a phase of instability.
The defining moment for Nitish Kumar came in 2005 when he returned to power in Bihar after a historic alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Nitish Kumar’s victory marked the beginning of a new era for the state, which had long been plagued by corruption, misgovernance, and poor infrastructure. Under his leadership, Bihar saw the dawn of a new political and social order.
Transforming Bihar: Social and Economic Reforms
Once in power, Nitish Kumar focused on restoring law and order, promoting education, and bringing stability to Bihar’s economy. His tenure as Chief Minister has been characterized by several key achievements that transformed Bihar from a state with rampant lawlessness and poverty to one that showed positive economic growth and social change.
1. Improving Law and Order:
One of the first steps Kumar took upon assuming office was tackling Bihar’s deteriorating law and order situation. The state was infamous for its high crime rates, with gangs and political violence ruling the roost. Kumar’s government introduced strict anti-crime measures, and he focused on rebuilding Bihar’s police force. This resulted in a significant decline in crime rates, particularly in the rural areas.
2. Focus on Education:
Nitish Kumar’s government implemented policies aimed at improving the state’s education system. The Bihar government’s efforts to provide free and compulsory education for children, increase enrollment in schools, and revamp the state’s school infrastructure were game-changers. His government also introduced the “Cycle Scheme,” which provided free bicycles to girls to encourage their education and reduce dropout rates.
3. Infrastructure Development:
Bihar, known for its dilapidated roads and poor infrastructure, witnessed a significant improvement under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. His government focused on building better roads, expanding the electricity grid, and improving connectivity in the state. Nitish’s reforms also extended to health infrastructure, with the construction of new hospitals and the recruitment of medical staff.
4. Social Justice and Empowerment:
Kumar’s government took steps to improve the lives of marginalized communities in Bihar, particularly the Dalits, backward classes, and women. His focus on social justice policies, such as reservation for backward classes in education and employment, earned him the support of the most backward sections of society. His policies also helped reduce the caste-based violence that had long plagued the state.
5. Economic Growth and Investment:
Under Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s economy saw a steady growth trajectory. From 2005 to 2015, the state registered high growth rates, and Nitish was credited with attracting investments to the state. Bihar saw a rise in its agricultural output, infrastructure development, and private sector investments.
Challenges and Political Setbacks
Despite his many achievements, Nitish Kumar’s journey has not been without its setbacks. His alliance with the BJP, though successful, faced challenges in the 2015 elections, when he switched alliances and formed a coalition with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress Party. This move, while bold, led to political instability in Bihar, and Kumar’s decision to leave the alliance in 2017 to rejoin the BJP also raised questions about his political consistency.
Nitish Kumar’s Legacy
Today, Nitish Kumar stands as one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in the history of Bihar, having held office for multiple terms. His legacy lies in his consistent efforts to transform Bihar into a state with better governance, improved infrastructure, and social justice.
His success story is one of perseverance—he has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not about short-term gains but about working tirelessly for the long-term well-being of the people. Nitish Kumar’s ability to build consensus, implement reforms, and balance the interests of various communities makes him one of India’s most respected political leaders.
Conclusion
Nitish Kumar’s political career is a powerful story of resilience, governance, and social change. From his early days as a student leader to his rise as the Chief Minister of Bihar, Kumar’s leadership has had a lasting impact on the state. His focus on law and order, education, and infrastructure development has transformed Bihar into a state with a brighter future. Despite facing political challenges, Nitish Kumar’s success story remains an inspiring example of what can be achieved with dedication, vision, and commitment to public service.
