Nitish Kumar: The Wily Political Survivor of Bihar
-
Nitish Kumar has held the position of Bihar chief minister for most of the past two decades, building an image as a clean and effective administrator focused on "good governance."
-
He has shifted political alliances multiple times, variously partnering with the BJP, RJD and Congress at different points, earning him a reputation as an opportunist.
-
Kumar has nurtured national political ambitions beyond Bihar but has struggled to establish himself as a national level leader.
-
He is credited with restoring law and order early in his chief minister tenure but the later years have seen governance suffer amid his political maneuvering.
-
Kumar has employed social engineering to consolidate support amongst backward castes and mahadalits but his party's support base has steadily declined.