How Nitish Kumar, at 74, still shapes Bihar’s political battle
Patna – Nitish Kumar proves his political weight again in Bihar as counting trends give the JD(U) a strong lead. On Thursday, posters reading “Tiger abhi zinda hai” appeared across the state. Supporters used them to signal that the 74-year-old leader still commands energy and authority. Many critics had written him off, citing his age and health. Yet the trends show a different story. JD(U) leads in more than 75 of the 101 seats it contested. This surge pushes the NDA toward another victory in Bihar.
The performance marks a sharp comeback for JD(U). The party has ruled the state for nearly two decades and faces anti-incumbency. Even then, JD(U) adds almost 30 seats to its 2020 tally. It also retains nearly 88% of its old seats. These numbers underscore Nitish Kumar’s lasting influence.
A MINI BATTLE INSIDE NDA
A quieter fight runs parallel to the main NDA vs. Mahagathbandhan contest. It is the battle for “big brother” status between JD(U) and BJP. In 2020, BJP outscored JD(U) for the first time in 20 years. JD(U) contested 115 seats that year, while BJP contested 110. BJP finished with 74 seats. JD(U) fell sharply from 71 seats in 2015 to 43 seats in 2020.
This time, JD(U) shows more strength. The BJP agreed to equal seat sharing, yet JD(U)’s strong performance signals that Nitish Kumar cannot be pushed aside. The final seat tally will settle who leads the NDA narrative in Bihar.
WHY NITISH STILL CONNECTS
This election may be the last for Nitish Kumar, who has served as Chief Minister for over 19 years. If sworn in again, it will be his 10th term. His political journey has evolved from development-driven leadership to a series of tactical alliances. Critics often call him “Paltu Ram” for his frequent switches. But voters continue to trust him.
Experts point to caste equations and Nitish’s strong support among women. These factors boost JD(U) in both urban and rural regions. Nitish projects himself as the leader of every community. Voters see him as someone who keeps social balance intact.
His rise began in 2005 when he replaced the RJD government, which was linked to “jungle raj.” Nitish focused on law-and-order reforms and basic development. His clean image and governance focus earned him the title “Sushasan Babu.” This label remains his biggest political asset.
WOMEN VOTERS: HIS STRONGEST FORCE
Women remain central to Nitish’s victories. This year, their turnout exceeded men’s by 10%. Women voted at 74.03%, while men voted at 64.1%. His most recent welfare scheme — a direct transfer of ₹10,000 to women beneficiaries — strengthened this bond further. Women credit Nitish for improving safety, mobility, and access to schemes.
As counting progresses, one message becomes clear. Nitish Kumar still shapes Bihar’s politics. He enters this election at 74 with fresh energy and renewed acceptance. Trends show that the “Tiger” still roars, and Bihar continues to listen.
