Nitish Kumar has been sworn in as the chief minister of Bihar for a record tenth time, following a decisive electoral victory by the National Democratic Alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. This outcome reinforces the coalition’s stronghold in a crucial Indian state and sets the stage for upcoming political battles.
Kumar took the oath of office in Patna on Thursday, surrounded by a large crowd of supporters, just days after the NDA secured an overwhelming majority of 202 seats in the 243-member Bihar legislative assembly. The swift transition underscores the alliance’s cohesion and Kumar’s enduring influence in state politics, marking his return to a position he has held for most of the past two decades. His reinstatement came a day after his party’s legislators and the wider alliance endorsed him as their leader, highlighting the seamless political maneuver.
The election results, declared after counting on November 14, saw Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) win 85 seats, while the BJP captured 89, with smaller allies such as the Lok Janshakti Party and Hindustani Awam Morcha contributing the remaining 28. This landslide margin of victory came despite opposition allegations of voter list manipulations, which both the BJP and the Election Commission denied, emphasizing the contentious nature of the campaign. Prime Minister Modi hailed the result as “a victory for democracy,” reflecting the alliance’s confidence.
Bihar, with over 74 million voters, is one of India’s poorest states and has long been a political bellwether, often reflecting broader national trends. Kumar, 74, has been a central figure in its governance, with his tenure interrupted only briefly between 2014 and 2015. His reinstatement as chief minister reflects the NDA’s strategic success in maintaining its appeal among diverse voter bases, including significant support from women and rural communities, who have been key beneficiaries of state welfare initiatives.
The opposition coalition, led by the Congress party and the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal, managed to secure only 35 seats, a stark contrast to the NDA’s dominance. This performance signals challenges for anti-BJP forces ahead of key state elections in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu next year, where the BJP has historically struggled to make inroads. The result underscores the difficulty opposition parties face in countering the NDA’s organized campaign machinery.
Voter turnout in this election reached a record 66.91%, the highest since 1951, with women participating in greater numbers than men. This high engagement points to the electorate’s heightened interest in state-level issues, such as economic development and migration, which have defined Kumar’s previous administrations. The polls were held on November 6 and 11, with the record participation highlighting Bihar’s evolving political dynamics.
Looking ahead, Kumar’s administration faces the daunting task of addressing Bihar’s persistent poverty and unemployment, which drive millions to migrate for work. The election outcome may also reshape alliances and voter perceptions as India moves toward more state-level contests, with the NDA aiming to replicate its success in other regions. This victory provides momentum for Modi’s coalition as it prepares for future electoral battles.
