Celebrating Nitish Kumar: A Journey Through Bihar's Political Landscape
As Nitish Kumar marks his 75th birthday, we explore his extensive political journey that has shaped Bihar over the decades. From his early life as an engineer to becoming the Chief Minister multiple times, his story is one of resilience and adaptability. Discover the key milestones in his career, including his formation of political alliances and his impact on governance in Bihar. Join us in celebrating a leader whose influence continues to resonate in the state's political landscape.
| Mar 1, 2026, 10:32 IST
Introduction to Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar is a prominent figure in Bihar's political arena, known for his significant contributions over the years. On March 1, 2025, he took the oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for the tenth time. Today, as he celebrates his 75th birthday, we delve into some intriguing aspects of his life and career.
Early Life and Family Background
Nitish Kumar was born on March 1, 1951. His father, Kaviraj Ram Lakhan Singh, was a freedom fighter. Before entering politics, Nitish was an engineer by profession. His political journey began in the 1970s and 1980s, marking the start of a long and impactful career.
Political Journey
In 1994, Nitish Kumar co-founded the Samata Party with George Fernandes. By 2003, the party merged with Janata Dal, which was later renamed Janata Dal (United). He is recognized as a key leader of the JD(U).
Nitish began working with Janata Dal during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite facing defeats in the 1977 and 1980 assembly elections, he achieved his first victory in 1985. On March 3, 2000, he became the Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time but had to resign after just seven days. This experience, however, laid the groundwork for his political resilience.
In 2005, he challenged the 15-year rule of Lalu Prasad Yadav and, with the support of the NDA, regained power, marking a new era of development and governance in Bihar. He won again in 2010 and in 2013, he severed ties with the BJP to join the Grand Alliance, showcasing his political acumen.
In 2015, Nitish formed a Grand Alliance with Lalu's RJD and Congress, which elevated his political stature. However, in 2017, he left the Grand Alliance and returned to the NDA, a move that became a hallmark of his political flexibility. In 2022, he once again distanced himself from the Grand Alliance to rejoin the NDA, and by 2024, he was an integral part of the NDA coalition.