Nitish Kumar, who came to power by presenting himself as the face of change during ‘jungle raaj’, now finds himself battling perhaps the toughest fight of his long political career. The 74-year-old ‘Sushashan Babu’, once celebrated for his governance, has since earned another nickname — Paltu Ram — for his many political somersaults.
In yet another twist of Bihar’s political drama, Nitish now faces Tejashwi Yadav, the young leader who once served as his deputy before being unseated when Nitish switched back to the NDA.
As the state votes again, Nitish Kumar who has dominated the politics of Bihar for decades will be proving his place and JDU's's power in the space again.
CM face, but no longer ‘big brother’
One of the most notable changes this election is the shift in the NDA’s internal dynamics.
Historically, JD(U) has been projected as the “big brother” in Bihar politics under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. This time, however, the BJP has negotiated equal seat-sharing, securing 101 seats alongside JD(U) in the alliance.
This change signals a recalibration of power and influence, leaving Nitish to assert his authority amid a partner that now wields equal clout.
Facing old rivals and new entrants
Nitish’s challengers are formidable. Tejashwi Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), seeks to reclaim the political space his family once dominated, space that Nitish wrested from the RJD two decades ago.
Adding complexity is political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, whose new venture, Jan Suraaj, is positioning itself as a fresh alternative to both JD(U) and RJD. Kishor has openly criticized Nitish and his long-standing governance record, presenting his party as a choice for voters seeking change from the entrenched political establishment.
Make-or-break moment
This election is arguably a watershed moment for Nitish Kumar. With his tenth CM bid, he must demonstrate that his reputation as ‘Sushashan Babu’ -- the man synonymous with development, stability, and law-and-order -- remains credible.
Voters will weigh his governance record against concerns of political fatigue, perceived policy stagnation, and repeated shifts in alliances.
Anti-incumbency looms large as a challenge. JD(U) has previously borne the brunt of it; in the 2020 assembly elections, its seat tally dropped from 71 in 2015 to 43.
In contrast, the BJP strengthened its position with 74 seats, while the RJD emerged as the single largest party with 75 seats. These numbers underscore the volatility and unpredictability that Nitish must navigate.
JD(U)’s relevance
Beyond personal stakes, the 2025 election will determine JD(U)’s political standing in Bihar. For the first time, the BJP has established itself as an equal partner in the NDA alliance, signaling a potential shift in power dynamics. As a national party with deep resources and outreach, BJP’s growing dominance could overshadow JD(U), challenging its long-held influence in the state.
Voter perception
Age and fitness have also become topics of debate. Opposition leaders are questioning whether Nitish can continue to handle the complexities of governance in a rapidly evolving state. These considerations, combined with the party’s standing and the BJP’s growing assertiveness, make this election particularly consequential.
Election schedule and outlook
The 2025 Bihar assembly elections are scheduled in two phases, November 6 and 11, covering 243 seats, with counting slated for November 14. Every constituency will serve as a test of Nitish Kumar’s enduring appeal, his legacy, and JD(U)’s future role in Bihar politics.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the question looms large: will Nitish Kumar secure another term and maintain JD(U)’s stature, or will the state’s political tides signal the end of an era for one of Bihar’s most enduring leaders?
In yet another twist of Bihar’s political drama, Nitish now faces Tejashwi Yadav, the young leader who once served as his deputy before being unseated when Nitish switched back to the NDA.
As the state votes again, Nitish Kumar who has dominated the politics of Bihar for decades will be proving his place and JDU's's power in the space again.
CM face, but no longer ‘big brother’
One of the most notable changes this election is the shift in the NDA’s internal dynamics.
Historically, JD(U) has been projected as the “big brother” in Bihar politics under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. This time, however, the BJP has negotiated equal seat-sharing, securing 101 seats alongside JD(U) in the alliance.
This change signals a recalibration of power and influence, leaving Nitish to assert his authority amid a partner that now wields equal clout.
Facing old rivals and new entrants
Nitish’s challengers are formidable. Tejashwi Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), seeks to reclaim the political space his family once dominated, space that Nitish wrested from the RJD two decades ago.
Adding complexity is political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, whose new venture, Jan Suraaj, is positioning itself as a fresh alternative to both JD(U) and RJD. Kishor has openly criticized Nitish and his long-standing governance record, presenting his party as a choice for voters seeking change from the entrenched political establishment.
Make-or-break moment
This election is arguably a watershed moment for Nitish Kumar. With his tenth CM bid, he must demonstrate that his reputation as ‘Sushashan Babu’ -- the man synonymous with development, stability, and law-and-order -- remains credible.
Voters will weigh his governance record against concerns of political fatigue, perceived policy stagnation, and repeated shifts in alliances.
Anti-incumbency looms large as a challenge. JD(U) has previously borne the brunt of it; in the 2020 assembly elections, its seat tally dropped from 71 in 2015 to 43.
In contrast, the BJP strengthened its position with 74 seats, while the RJD emerged as the single largest party with 75 seats. These numbers underscore the volatility and unpredictability that Nitish must navigate.
JD(U)’s relevance
Beyond personal stakes, the 2025 election will determine JD(U)’s political standing in Bihar. For the first time, the BJP has established itself as an equal partner in the NDA alliance, signaling a potential shift in power dynamics. As a national party with deep resources and outreach, BJP’s growing dominance could overshadow JD(U), challenging its long-held influence in the state.
Voter perception
Age and fitness have also become topics of debate. Opposition leaders are questioning whether Nitish can continue to handle the complexities of governance in a rapidly evolving state. These considerations, combined with the party’s standing and the BJP’s growing assertiveness, make this election particularly consequential.
Election schedule and outlook
The 2025 Bihar assembly elections are scheduled in two phases, November 6 and 11, covering 243 seats, with counting slated for November 14. Every constituency will serve as a test of Nitish Kumar’s enduring appeal, his legacy, and JD(U)’s future role in Bihar politics.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the question looms large: will Nitish Kumar secure another term and maintain JD(U)’s stature, or will the state’s political tides signal the end of an era for one of Bihar’s most enduring leaders?
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