Nitish Kumar's Enduring Relevance: Bihar's 'Sushasan Babu' Seals Landslide Victory for NDA

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Bihar's longest-serving chief minister, Nitish Kumar, has cemented his legacy as the NDA's driving force, securing a landslide victory in the state after two decades of rule. The 74-year-old leader's 'sushasan' (good governance) mantra has resonated with voters, particularly women, extremely backward castes (EBCs), and Maha Dalits, who have rallied behind him despite his party, JD(U), getting fewer seats in the past. Kumar's JD(U) is poised to improve its tally, thanks to a significant 8.8% increase in women's turnout, the highest since 1962. The distribution of ₹10,000 each to 14.1 million women under a self-employment scheme has bolstered his support among women, who now comprise 71.6% of the total voters. This strategy, coupled with Kumar's reputation as an inclusive, incorruptible leader and competent administrator, has helped him craft a formidable social coalition, defying his Kurmi caste's low representation in Bihar's population. Kumar's administrative record, marked by improvements in law and order, infrastructure, women's empowerment, and education, has been a key factor in his enduring popularity. He has taken pride in serving the state with honesty and hard work since 2005, a message that resonated with voters, particularly in the final stretch of his career. Despite being written off multiple times, Kumar has mastered the art of coalition management and caste arithmetic, making him indispensable in Bihar politics. As the JD(U) prepares to form the government, Kumar's determination and pragmatism have paid off, earning him the nickname 'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai' (Tiger Is Still Alive). The BJP's repeated projections of Kumar as the chief minister underscore his importance, and voters across Bihar have rewarded him for his good work by sticking with him. Many have credited him with empowering women and EBCs like no other leader, making him an unlikely hero in the 2025 election results.