Will Nitish Kumar Be Bihar Chief Minister For 10th Term?
Amid a whirlwind of speculation following the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) emphatic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, all eyes are on Nitish Kumar as he stands poised to become the state’s chief minister for an unprecedented tenth term. The NDA’s sweeping mandate, with the coalition securing over 200 seats in the 243-member assembly, has cemented Kumar’s status as Bihar’s most enduring political figure, even as the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the alliance.
The 2025 Bihar elections delivered a resounding verdict, with the NDA crossing the 200-seat mark and effectively wiping out the opposition Mahagathbandhan. The BJP, contesting 101 seats, won 89, while the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) secured 85 seats, marking a significant comeback for Kumar’s party after its poor performance in 2020. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, played a crucial role in the NDA’s victory, winning 19 seats and helping the alliance surpass the majority threshold.
Chirag Paswan’s meeting with Nitish Kumar on Saturday, accompanied by all 19 of his newly elected MLAs, has set political corridors abuzz. Once a bitter rival, Paswan’s warm reception at Kumar’s residence in Patna signals a new chapter in their relationship. Paswan, who had previously campaigned against Kumar, now says he went to congratulate the JD(U) chief and extend best wishes. However, speculation is rife that Paswan may be eyeing the deputy chief minister post for his party, given its strong electoral performance.
The BJP’s emergence as the single largest party in the NDA has shifted the balance of power within the alliance. In previous elections, the BJP had backed Kumar as chief minister despite winning more seats, but this time, the party has remained silent on the issue. BJP leaders have repeatedly stated that the elected MLAs will decide the chief minister, a departure from their earlier stance. This ambiguity has led to speculation that the BJP may push for its own candidate, but most analysts believe Kumar’s experience and popularity make him the frontrunner.
Nitish Kumar’s journey from an electrical engineer to Bihar’s most enduring politician is a testament to his political acumen. Born on March 1, 1951, in Bakhtiarpur, Patna, Kumar first made his mark as a participant in the JP movement and a political prisoner during the Emergency. Since his assembly debut in 1985, he has navigated party splits, alliances, and electoral upheavals, serving multiple stints as both Union minister and chief minister.
Kumar’s strength lies in his carefully cultivated base of voters, including the Kurmi-Koeri communities, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), Mahadalits, and women. His relatively clean image and development-focused governance have earned him loyalty across various political upheavals. Political analysts say that whichever party Kumar has allied with has won elections in the past, making him the undisputed kingmaker of Bihar.
As the NDA prepares to form the government, the focus has shifted to who will be the next chief minister and his deputy or deputies. Posters and billboards across Patna have already hailed Kumar as “Bihar’s leader,” and party workers are eager to see him take oath for a record tenth term. The BJP’s silence on the issue and the strong performance of Kumar’s JD(U) suggest that he is likely to continue as chief minister, but the final decision will be made after the NDA leaders meet.
