Nirantar Nitish Kumar: Why ‘Sushasan Babu’ is Bihar’s Most Indispensable Leader
In the ever-shifting sands of Bihar’s political landscape, one name has remained constant for over two decades: Nitish Kumar. Dubbed ‘Sushasan Babu’ (the good governance man) and now ‘Nirantar’ (the perpetual), Kumar’s political longevity and adaptability make him the linchpin of Bihar’s development. As alliances shift and rivals falter, his indispensability to Bihar’s future grows clearer.
The Architect of Bihar’s Revival
Nitish Kumar’s tenure as Chief Minister (barring brief interruptions) transformed Bihar. In 2005, the state was plagued by lawlessness, poor infrastructure, and stagnant development. His ‘Vyawastha Parivartan’ (systemic change) approach cracked down on crime, improved roads, and revamped education and healthcare. The results? Bihar’s GDP surged, shedding its “BIMARU” tag.
His flagship schemes—‘Bicycle for Girls’ and ‘Jeevika’ (women’s self-help groups)—empowered marginalized communities, while his zero-tolerance stance on corruption earned widespread praise. Even critics admit Kumar’s governance revived Bihar.
The Master of Political Realignment
Nitish Kumar’s survival instincts are legendary. From allying with the BJP in the 2000s to forming the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) with Lalu Yadav’s RJD in 2015, then rejoining the NDA in 2017—only to switch back to the opposition in 2022—Kumar has mastered political maneuvering. Each move was calculated, balancing ideology and survival.
His latest nickname, ‘Nirantar’ (coined by Lalu Yadav), highlights his resilience. Despite Bihar’s volatile coalition politics, Kumar retains power, outlasting rivals and allies alike.
The BJP’s Dependence & Opposition’s Hope
For the BJP, Kumar remains a critical Bihar ally. His JD(U) gives the party a foothold in a caste-complex state. His sway over Kurmi-Koeri and EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) voters makes him indispensable to the NDA.
For the opposition, his occasional anti-BJP shifts (like the 2022 RJD reunion) offer hope. While his flip-flops draw criticism, they underscore his centrality in Bihar’s power dynamics.
Challenges Ahead
Despite achievements, challenges persist:
– Industrial growth and employment lag.
– Reliance on central funds and migration issues remain.
– No clear successor in JD(U) raises future concerns.
Yet, Kumar’s reinventions—through social justice rhetoric, women-centric policies, or strategic alliances—keep him relevant. His push for a nationwide caste census (aligning with the opposition) shows his political foresight.
Conclusion: The Indispensable Leader
Love him or loathe him, Nitish Kumar is Bihar’s most enduring leader. His governance legacy, political acumen, and survival skills ensure Bihar’s fortunes stay tied to him. As 2024 Lok Sabha elections near, his role—as kingmaker or disruptor—will be pivotal.
For Bihar, ‘Sushasan Babu’ isn’t just a leader; he’s an institution. And in a state where politics is as unpredictable as monsoons, Nitish Kumar remains the only constant.
