NITISH’S UNIQUE POLITICAL RECORD

NITISH’S UNIQUE POLITICAL RECORD

2-APRIL-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------Once again, the political landscape of Bihar is abuzz with activity and intense speculation. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly preparing to step down from the seat of power. Following his victory in the Rajya Sabha elections, he has resigned from his membership in the Legislative Council and is scheduled to take his oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10. Consequently, discussions are rife within political circles that he may resign from the post of Chief Minister either just before or immediately after taking his oath for the Rajya Sabha.

This potential resignation by Nitish Kumar is not viewed as anything novel. Indeed, throughout his political career, the cycle of resigning and taking the oath of office appears to have become a veritable political tradition. Over a political career spanning nearly 25 years, he has taken the oath as Chief Minister a remarkable 10 times—a feat that stands as a record in itself. Conversely, he has also stepped down from power on several occasions, citing the imperatives of coalition politics or a sense of moral responsibility.

Political analysts view this move as a confluence of both strategic maneuvering and political exigency. Leaders of the JD(U) portray it as a testament to his transparency and accountability, while the opposition continues to target him, labeling it as "opportunistic politics" (or *Paltu Rajneeti*).

Nitish Kumar’s political journey has not been confined solely to Bihar. While serving as the Union Railway Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, he resigned in 1999 following the Gaisal train accident, accepting moral responsibility for the tragedy—a move that set a precedent in Indian politics.

Nevertheless, his tenure has also witnessed significant transformations in key sectors such as law and order, road infrastructure, power supply, and women's empowerment. He is widely credited with largely succeeding in extricating Bihar from the stigma of "Jungle Raj" (lawlessness).

Now, as he prepares to embark on his journey to the Rajya Sabha, the question inevitably arises: Is Bihar's politics standing at a new crossroads? Is this merely another political maneuver, or is the script for a major transformation being written? For now, the eyes of the entire state are fixed on his next move, as every decision made by Nitish Kumar has historically triggered seismic tremors in Bihar's politics.