Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar in 2024
Born	01 March 1951 Bakhtiyarpur, Patna district, Bihar, India
Nationality	Indian
Education	B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering
Alma mater	National Institute of Technology, Patna
Occupation	Politician, Former Engineer
Years active	1974–present
Known for	Governance in Bihar, Prohibition policy, Caste-based census
Notable works	Saat Nischay Yojana, Women empowerment, Law & Order reform
Awards	CNN-IBN Indian of the Year (Politics), NDTV Indian of the Year (Politics)
Spouse(s)	Manju Sinha (d. 2007)
Parents	Kaviraj Ram Lakhan Singh (father), Parmeshwari Devi (mother)
Religion	Hinduism
Website	Government of Bihar

Nitish Kumar (born 1 March 1951) is an Indian politician serving as the current Chief Minister of Bihar. A leader of the Janata Dal (United), he is known for his clean image, administrative acumen, and emphasis on good governance. Nitish Kumar is one of India’s most prominent and long-serving political leaders, known for his transformative leadership in the state of Bihar. With a political career spanning over four decades, Kumar has been instrumental in redefining Bihar’s governance model, often cited for his focus on infrastructure, education, social justice, and law and order. He currently serves as the Chief Minister of Bihar, a position he has held multiple times since 2000, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India’s history.

A key figure in the Janata Dal (United) party, Nitish Kumar is also recognized for his pragmatic approach to coalition politics, having aligned with both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition blocs at different times. Under his leadership, Bihar has seen significant strides in areas such as rural electrification, women's empowerment, caste-based census reforms, and infrastructure expansion. His policies and political strategies continue to shape the socio-political landscape of Bihar and influence national politics.

Early Life and Education

Nitish Kumar was born on 1 March 1951 in Bakhtiarpur, a town in the Patna district of Bihar, into a Kurmi agricultural family. His father, Kaviraj Ram Lakhan Singh, was an Ayurvedic practitioner and an active participant in the freedom movement, while his mother was Parmeshwari Devi, originally from Nepal.

He completed his schooling in Bakhtiarpur before moving to Patna for higher education. Nitish graduated in Electrical Engineering (B.Sc.) in 1972 from Bihar College of Engineering, Patna (now known as the National Institute of Technology, Patna). After graduating, he briefly served with the Bihar State Electricity Board, gaining technical and administrative experience before entering politics.

Following his education and brief professional stint, Nitish Kumar became deeply influenced by socialist leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Karpuri Thakur during India’s political turbulence in the 1970s. His technical background combined with early political exposure laid the foundation for his pragmatic and policy-driven political career.

Political Career

Nitish Kumar began his political journey as a student activist. He was greatly influenced by socialist leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Karpoori Thakur, and VP Singh. He took part in the JP Movement from 1974 to 1977. This experience was crucial in developing his dedication to public service and reforming governance..

In 1985, he won his first election as an Independent MLA from the Harnaut constituency. Two years later, he gained recognition as President of Yuva Lok Dal (state) and then as Secretary-General of Janata Dal (Bihar). He stepped into national politics in 1989 when he was elected to the 9th Lok Sabha from Barh, serving as Union Minister of State for Agriculture in VP Singh’s government..

He later held important positions such as Union Cabinet Minister for Railways, Surface Transport, and Agriculture from 1998 to 1999, and again as Railways Minister from 2001 to 2004 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. During his time in office, he introduced improvements like the Tatkal booking scheme and online ticket reservations..

Nitish Kumar was Chief Minister of Bihar for a short period in March 2000 before going back to national politics. In November 2005, he took office again and remained in that role through several terms. He led important reforms in infrastructure, education, and health. He gained wide recognition for reducing crime and improving governance in Bihar. His leadership earned him several awards, including "Best Chief Minister in India" in 2007 from CNN-IBN and Hindustan Times, and "Business Reformer of the Year" from The Economic Times in 2009. . Throughout his active political career, he has changed alliances multiple times. In January 2024, he resigned from the government led by the INDIA bloc, rejoined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and was sworn in as Bihar's Chief Minister for a record ninth time. He took office on 28 January 2024, with BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha serving as his Deputy Chief Ministers..

In 2025, senior JD(U) leaders confirmed that Nitish Kumar would stay as the NDA's CM candidate. He is expected to serve through the next term, from 2025 to 2030, especially if the NDA keeps power in the state elections. The slogan "2025, Phir Se Nitish" highlights this continuity.. He remains the key political figure in Bihar. Ongoing policies, like the caste-based census survey, are attracting attention. These policies aim to strengthen his wide-ranging social coalition and political appeal..

Major Initiatives

Rural Connectivity & Infrastructure In July 2025, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced big plans for rural infrastructure worth ₹21,406 crore. These plans focus on improving connectivity by building 11,346 rural roads and 730 bridges under programs like the Mukhyamantri Gramin Sadak Unnayan Yojana and Gramin Setu Yojana. This initiative will connect every village with durable roads. It will greatly improve access to markets, schools, and healthcare.

Urban Infrastructure Expansion On 20 May 2025, Nitish Kumar started 1,327 urban infrastructure projects under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Urban Development Scheme (CMCUDS), with a total cost of ₹1,002 crore. These projects include improvements to roads, drainage systems, parks, ghats, and public amenities. They are being carried out in all 38 districts to support urban renewal and enhance quality of life..

Road Projects & Strategic Investments

During his Pragati Yatra, the Cabinet approved 136 development agendas worth over ₹20,000 crore. These agendas focus on important infrastructure in tourism, roads, water resources, education, health, and more. Key approvals included 42 road projects, which will create jobs for over 9.13 lakh youths. Appointment letters were also distributed to government recruits..

Tourism & Heritage Development

Nitish Kumar has driven tourism growth through projects across Ramayana, Buddha, and Sufi circuits. The government acquired 50 acres at Punaura Dham to develop the area, and ropeways are being built at four tourist destinations in Jehanabad and Rohtas to enhance accessibility. Additionally, three five-star hotels at prime sites are being developed under a PPP model, while heritage landmarks such as the Sultanganj Palace and Patliputra Ashok are being revitalized.

Agriculture & Digital Outreach

On 19 May 2025, he launched Kharif Mahabhiyan 2025 and unveiled the Bihar Krishi Mobile App, a digital tool offering farmers access to scheme applications, status tracking, crop advice, soil health reports, weather forecasts, and real-time market prices. This 'e-passbook'-style initiative aims to bridge the gap between farmers and government services.

Employment Generation & Youth Empowerment

Nitish Kumar has declared a target of creating one crore jobs by 2030, with Saat Nishchay‑2 aiming to deliver 50 lakh jobs by August 2025. Over 10 lakh government jobs and 39 lakh total employment opportunities have already been delivered, supported by the proposed Karpoori Thakur Skill University to boost vocational training and self-employment among youth.

Social Welfare & Energy Support

From 1 August 2025, the Mukhya Mantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayta Yojana offers 125 free electricity units monthly to approximately 1.86 crore households, saving ₹550 in urban areas and ₹306 in rural regions. This welfare initiative has been widely regarded as both inclusive and politically strategic ahead of elections.

Healthcare Workforce & Welfare Reforms

On 30 July 2025, the administration tripled the honorarium for ASHA workers and doubled incentives for Mamata health campaigners, acknowledging their role in improving rural healthcare delivery.

Bridge & Transport Monitoring Modernization

The government will now use AI-enabled drones to routinely inspect and maintain bridges across Bihar, enhancing safety, accuracy, and operational efficiency while reducing manual oversight.

Political Alliances

Nitish Kumar, the leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), is known for a political career filled with strategic partnerships and timely changes. This style is often described as "break-ups and patch-ups" politics. He began his national political journey from 1996 to 1998 when he partnered with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through the Samata Party. In 2003, he helped launch JD(U) by merging with other groups, making it part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)..

Under the NDA, JD(U) won the Bihar Assembly elections in 2005, and Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister. He held this position through several terms in coalition with the BJP until 2013. That year, he separated from the alliance in protest of Narendra Modi being named the BJP's prime ministerial candidate. He then left the NDA to create an opposition grand alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, which was known as the Mahagathbandhan..

In the 2015 Assembly elections, this coalition won decisively, securing 178 out of 243 seats, which allowed Nitish Kumar to return as Chief Minister. However, in mid-2017, amidst a corruption charge involving RJD deputy leader Tejashwi Yadav, Nitish ended the alliance, citing moral responsibility. He then reformed a government with the BJP under the NDA..

In 2022, the coalition faced another brief fracture when Nitish rejoined the Mahagathbandhan, which also included RJD, Congress, Left parties, and HAM(S), forming a government. This fragile alliance collapsed in January 2024 when Nitish Kumar resigned due to internal disputes over leadership and seat sharing. On the same day, he rejoined the NDA and was sworn in as Chief Minister for a ninth time, with BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha serving as Deputy Chief Ministers..

Today, JD(U) is firmly allied with the BJP-led NDA, relying on this partnership for electoral and governance support. Senior party members emphasize continuity under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, even as the opposition questions his reliability due to past changes in alliances..

Personal Life

Nitish Kumar married Manju Kumari Sinha, a school teacher in Patna, on 22 February 1973. Their marriage was inter-caste—a significant choice given Nitish’s Kurmi OBC background—and famously conducted without accepting dowry; when dowry was offered, Nitish promptly returned ₹22,000 and had the wedding cards reprinted to reflect a new date and venue.

The couple had a son, Nishant Kumar, who graduated from BIT Mesra (Birla Institute of Technology) and has chosen to maintain a low profile, staying away from public and political life.

Manju Kumari Sinha passed away in May 2007 in New Delhi due to pneumonia. Nitish Kumar publicly mourned deeply, with media reports describing him in tears while carrying her coffin alongside his son. After her death, Nitish opted not to remarry and has since remained publicly devoted to her memory and his son's upbringing.

Nitish Kumar is known for his modest lifestyle and minimal public discussion about personal matters. He values privacy for his family, with his siblings also largely remaining out of the limelight. His family life, marked by simplicity and quiet dignity, reflects the same values present in his political persona.

Legacy

Nitish Kumar is widely credited with transforming Bihar’s governance after taking office in 2005. He restored law and order by empowering the police and establishing fast-track courts, significantly reducing crime and ending the “Jungle Raj” era. His administration focused on infrastructure, improving rural roads, electricity, healthcare, and education. Bihar witnessed economic growth under his leadership, with GSDP growth averaging over 10% in the 2000s.

He introduced welfare programs for Mahadalits, EBCs, and women, expanding his political base and pushing inclusive governance. However, critics point to his failure to raise per capita income and accelerate industrial development. Controversial moves like liquor prohibition and dismantling APMCs have also drawn criticism for their economic impact.

Despite political shifts and alliances, his legacy is defined by governance reforms, improved public services, and a move toward inclusive politics—leaving a complex yet impactful imprint on Bihar’s development journey.

See Also

• Bihar
• Janata Dal (United)