Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has accumulated nearly 20 years in office, and he ranks among India's longest-tenured state leaders. The 74-year-old politician faces obstacles as elections approach in October. His Janata Dal (United) party secured only 43 seats during the 2020 contest, trailing both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal.
Kumar has changed coalition partners repeatedly throughout his career. He aligned with the BJP in 2010, shifted to the RJD alliance in 2015, but returned to the BJP before completing that term. Former aide Prashant Kishor launched the Jan Suraaj Party, and he has criticized the administration's performance. Observers note anti-incumbency sentiment after Kumar's extended tenure, and questions persist about his political durability despite his determination to continue leading.
Kumar has changed coalition partners repeatedly throughout his career. He aligned with the BJP in 2010, shifted to the RJD alliance in 2015, but returned to the BJP before completing that term. Former aide Prashant Kishor launched the Jan Suraaj Party, and he has criticized the administration's performance. Observers note anti-incumbency sentiment after Kumar's extended tenure, and questions persist about his political durability despite his determination to continue leading.
