NEW DELHI: After practically 20 years on the helm, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar faces maybe his hardest political check but. As soon as celebrated as “Sushashan babu” – the person credited with remodeling Bihar after the Lalu-Rabri period, usually dubbed as “jungle raj” by many – Nitish now confronts rising fatigue and skepticism. However may Prime Minister Narendra Modi's identify assist him climate the storm this time?
The anti-incumbency dilemma
Nitish Kumar has dominated Bihar for shut to twenty years, deftly switching alliances to retain energy. However 20 years of governance have introduced inevitable voter fatigue. As soon as seen because the face of improvement and order, Nitish now encounters an citizens that desires renewal and power.
Nonetheless, for a lot of voters, there is no clear various. The BJP's nationwide dominance and PM Modi's enduring reputation stay the NDA's strongest belongings — doubtlessly offsetting Nitish's declining enchantment.
The tip of the ‘massive brother' period
For years, Nitish Kumar performed the “massive brother” in his alliance with the BJP, usually dictating phrases. This time, nonetheless, the facility dynamic has shifted. The BJP, below Modi's management, negotiated an equal seat share with the JD(U) — 101 seats every.Regardless of the symbolic parity, JD(U) seems to have misplaced the leverage it as soon as loved. In Bihar's political arithmetic, Nitish could now be the junior accomplice in spirit, even when not on paper.
Well being and management issues
Nitish's latest public missteps and occasional incoherent moments have sparked debate about his well being and application. Opposition events have seized on these to query his health for management. Whereas this may unsettle some voters, others may even see the BJP's power below Modi as a stabilising pressure.With the saffron get together holding only one seat fewer than the RJD within the meeting and commanding the legislative council, many in Bihar should still lean towards the NDA for continuity and governance stability.
Dropping floor, discovering help
Nitish has lengthy constructed his picture as a political survivor — switching sides between the RJD and BJP when needed. However this time, anti-incumbency may chew more durable. The JD(U) dangers dropping seats even because it clings to relevance by way of its partnership with the BJP.In lots of constituencies, it could be Modi's model — not Nitish's — that pulls votes. The BJP's increasing base and PM Modi's private charisma may find yourself being the decisive elements protecting Nitish in energy.
The financial paradox
Regardless of Nitish's 20 years in workplace, Bihar continues to lag in GDP, earnings, and industrial development. The “Sushashan” picture not matches the state's financial actuality. But, the BJP hopes that PM Modi's nationwide narrative — of India because the “world's fourth-largest economic system” — will overshadow native discontent.Guarantees of funding, jobs, and infrastructure from the Prime Minister may shift focus from Nitish's blended document to PM Modi's bigger imaginative and prescient of improvement.
Declining reputation
Nitish's political capital has clearly diminished. His approval rankings as most popular chief minister have slipped from 37% in 2020 to between 16% and 25% in latest surveys (C-Voter, VoteVibe). The JD(U)'s meeting power has additionally fallen sharply — from 115 seats in 2010 to simply 43 in 2020, alongside a major drop in vote share from 22.6% to fifteen.7%.The once-dominant chief now finds himself depending on Modi's reputation to stay related in Bihar's shifting political panorama.
The youth issue
The BJP lacks a robust state-level chief in Bihar however is investing in youthful faces — comparable to Chirag Paswan and deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary, to attach with first-time and younger voters. This youth outreach, mixed with PM Modi's mass enchantment, could not directly assist Nitish by broadening the NDA's base towards youthful rivals like Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishor.The BJP's marketing campaign pitch merges Modi's management, Nitish's expertise, and youthful power right into a single message of stability and progress.
Operation Sindoor: Modi's nationwide second
After a decisive navy motion towards Pakistan and its sponsored terrorism below his authorities's orders, Prime Minister Modi struck a assured tone throughout a rally in Bihar's Madhubani — simply days after the Pahalgam terror assault.“Those that have carried out this terrorist assault, and people who have supported and deliberate it, will face a punishment better than they'll think about. We won't relaxation till justice is finished,” PM Modi mentioned.“From the soil of Bihar, I wish to ship a message to the whole world — India will determine, hint, and punish each terrorist and their backers. Terrorism won't go unpunished.”From the land of Buddha, PM Modi invoked the spirit of Yuddha — turning Bihar's rally floor into an emblem of nationwide resolve. For voters, this mixture of nationalism and management could resonate extra strongly than native points.
The balancing act
Nitish Kumar could not command the authority or reputation he as soon as did, however his political instincts stay sharp. His partnership with Modi's BJP affords him a remaining lifeline — a mix of nationwide management and native continuity.Ultimately, if Nitish does handle to retain energy, it will not be by way of his personal enduring enchantment, however by way of the power of the Modi issue — as soon as once more redefining Bihar's political steadiness.
