Who is Nitish Kumar? A Famous Politician with Stories Worth Reading

In the high-voltage theatre of Indian politics often crowded with charisma, chaos, and controversy Nitish Kumar has emerged as a curious paradox. A man of measured tone and strategic agility, he is often hailed as a “Chanakya of coalition politics” and affectionately known as ‘Ajatashatru’, or “the one who has no enemies.”

With a political career spanning over four decades and an unmatched tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar is not just a survivor in the volatile world of Indian politics, he is a master tactician who redefined it.

Early Life: From Engineer to Politician

Born on March 1, 1951, in Bakhtiarpur, a small town in Bihar, Nitish Kumar earned a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Bihar College of Engineering, Patna. He began his professional career at the Bihar State Electricity Board, but his passion for public service drew him into politics.

His political awakening came during the JP Movement (1974–77), led by Jayaprakash Narayan. Like many future leaders, he was jailed during the Emergency, a defining moment that shaped his ideology and commitment to democratic principles.

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Political Journey: The Architect of Alliances

The Samata Party & Rise through Janata Parivar

Nitish co-founded the Samata Party in the 1990s, aligning himself with leaders like George Fernandes. His ideology leaned towards social justice, anti-corruption, and decentralization. Eventually, he became a core leader in the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], which would become his primary political platform.

Master of Realpolitik

Over time, Nitish emerged as one of India’s most skilled practitioners of coalition politics. His frequent alliance shifts from BJP to RJD and back have earned both criticism and admiration. Yet, throughout these transitions, he maintained an uncanny ability to retain power, proving that flexibility, not rigidity, is the cornerstone of political longevity.

King, Kingmaker, or Just Clinging On?

Whether leading the state or enabling a ruling coalition, Nitish Kumar has been described as a kingmaker as much as a king. Even when his party suffered major setbacks such as the 2020 Assembly elections, where JD(U)'s seat tally plummeted, he still maneuvered his way to remain Chief Minister through strategic alliances.

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‘Ajatashatru’: The Man Without Enemies

The title ‘Ajatashatru’ isn't just poetic, it reflects a leadership style that’s rare in Indian politics.

Why This Name Matters

In 2023, Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar invoked the title at a book release, emphasizing Nitish Kumar’s cordial relations across party lines and his tendency to avoid personal attacks, even amidst fierce political rivalries.

Traits that Define His Enemy-Free Politics

• Strategic Alliances Without Bitterness: Despite flipping between alliances with BJP and RJD, Nitish never burned bridges, allowing him to re-enter coalitions he once left.

• Respectful Communication: Known for soft-spoken yet sharp articulation, he rarely resorts to venomous political rhetoric.

• Willingness to Reconcile: His renewed ties with Lalu Prasad Yadav in 2015 after years of antagonism highlight his pragmatism over pride.

• Focus on Governance: His identity as ‘Sushashan Babu’ (Man of Good Governance) reflects his priority: development over vendetta.

• Public Gestures of Respect: Paying tributes to rivals, avoiding nepotism, and leading a simple lifestyle have enhanced his cross-party appeal.

Governance: From Lawlessness to ‘Sushasan’

When Nitish took office in 2005, Bihar was widely perceived as a lawless state. Within a decade, he transformed it into a model for improved governance, especially in:

• Infrastructure: Roads, electricity, and public transportation saw significant improvement.

• Education & Women Empowerment: Schemes like Mukhyamantri Cycle Yojana encouraged girls' education.

• Law & Order: Crackdowns on criminal elements and police reforms earned him public confidence.

• Social Inclusion: By giving representation to Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), Mahadalits, and Pasmanda Muslims, Nitish reshaped Bihar’s political arithmetic.

Coalition Building: The Luv-Kush Equation and Beyond

Nitish’s voter base rests on a broad social coalition:

• Kurmi-Koeri (Luv-Kush) Community

• Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs)

• Mahadalits

• Pasmanda Muslims

This multi-caste, multi-faith alignment gave him a unique electoral edge, unmatched by any single community leader in Bihar.

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Legacy in the Making: India's Hope or Bihar’s Enigma?

At 74, Nitish Kumar is no longer the young disruptor. Yet, he continues to influence the shape and soul of Indian federal politics. Whether as a regional titan or a national unifier, his journey stands as a case study in survival, subtlety, and statesmanship.

As one Brookings report put it, “Nitish Kumar: India’s Man from Hope.”

Conclusion

In an era dominated by populism, polarizing rhetoric, and zero-sum politics, Nitish Kumar stands out as a rare statesman measured, adaptable, and remarkably devoid of personal antagonism. His moniker ‘Ajatashatru’ is not just a ceremonial compliment, but a reflection of decades spent building bridges, not burning them.

Whether steering Bihar through infrastructure deficits, reshaping coalition dynamics, or executing socially inclusive policies, Nitish has consistently prioritized governance over grandstanding. His legacy lies not only in his political longevity, but in the uncommon civility and coalition craft he brings to Indian politics.

As Bihar and the nation continue to evolve, Kumar’s style of quiet resilience and tactical foresight may well serve as a blueprint for sustainable leadership in a deeply divided democratic landscape.

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FAQ

Why is Nitish Kumar called ‘Ajatashatru’?

The term means "one who has no enemies." Nitish earned this title for his non-confrontational political style, frequent reconciliation with rivals, and a consistent refusal to indulge in personal attacks.

What are Nitish Kumar’s major achievements as Chief Minister?

Key achievements include law and order improvement, infrastructure development, educational schemes, women empowerment, and inclusive governance for backward classes and minorities.

Has Nitish Kumar changed political alliances often?

Yes. He has shifted between the BJP-led NDA and RJD-led alliances multiple times, but always through strategic, non-hostile transitions, ensuring his political survival.

What is Nitish Kumar’s background before politics?

He holds an engineering degree and worked at the Bihar State Electricity Board before joining politics through the JP Movement in the 1970s.

Is Nitish Kumar still active in politics?

As of 2025, yes. At age 74, he remains Chief Minister of Bihar and a central figure in state and national coalition politics.

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