In a stunning political outcome, the Bihar assembly elections have delivered a massive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with a particularly remarkable performance by veteran leader Nitish Kumar. Defying significant anti-incumbency and his history of political realignments, Kumar has once again secured the empathy and support of the electorate, leaving many to ponder his next move.
The Formidable Legacy of Sushasan Babu
Pavan K Varma, who worked closely with Nitish Kumar after joining him in January 2013 following his resignation from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), provides unique insight into the leader's character. At that time, Kumar carried a formidable reputation. He was widely regarded as the most polished product of the socialist movement, an educated engineer, and a person of impeccable personal integrity. His razor-sharp intellect and administrative prowess had earned him the affectionate title of 'Sushasan Babu' (Mr. Good Governance).
Decoding the 2025 Election Verdict
The election results have thrown up a complex yet decisive mandate. While the BJP has emerged with marginally higher seats than the JDU, the alliance as a whole has secured a massive win. This outcome brings the BJP closer to fulfilling its long-stalled ambition of installing its own chief minister in the state. However, the stellar surprise of this election is undeniably the resilience of Nitish Kumar. Despite two decades of anti-incumbency working against him and his numerous political shifts, voters have expressed their continued support for his leadership.
The Road Ahead: How Long Will Nitish Remain CM?
The election victory now leads to the most pressing question in Bihar politics: How long will Nitish Kumar remain Chief Minister in this term? His strength lies in the voters' evident empathy and his well-known ability to spring a surprise. This victory, against all odds, reaffirms his pivotal role in Bihar's political landscape, but the delicate seat balance with the BJP sets the stage for a fascinating power dynamic in the coming days.
