Predicting election outcomes is always a complex task, but one trend in Bihar is clear: there is little visible anger or voter fatigue against Nitish Kumar, even after over two decades in office. Surprisingly, this extends to sections of the Muslim community, traditionally opposed to his ally, the BJP.
Bihar Muslims and Minority Voters Acknowledge Nitish Kumar’s Governance
As per a TOI report, Sabbu Mirza, a resident of Madarsa Chawk in Muzaffarpur’s Kurhani constituency, said, “Although I will vote for RJD, you won’t find people speaking against Nitish even after four full terms.” His uncle, Muhammad Amanullah, a JD(U) panchayat-level office-bearer, added, “Nitish is not the leader of one caste. He has a mass base, and that is his appeal.”
Read more: Nitish Kumar, how Bihar 'changed' or 'not' under ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ two-decade rule
Despite his caste, the Kurmis, constituting only about 3% of Bihar’s population, Nitish enjoys support beyond traditional political blocs. His popularity spans multiple communities, including 10% Hindu upper castes, over 4% Kushwahas, more than 5% Paswans, over 3% Musahars, and 2.6% Mallahs, demonstrating a broad-based appeal rarely seen in Bihar politics.
How Development Schemes and Economic Policies Have Strengthened Nitish Kumar’s Popularity
A TOI report highlighted insights from senior journalist Ajeet Dwivedi, who has covered Bihar’s politics for decades. He observed that voter fatigue with Nitish Kumar was evident earlier this year, particularly when Tejashwi Yadav seemed to emerge as a potential successor in Mandal (OBC and EBC) politics. However, Dwivedi noted that recent governance initiatives have shifted public perception, including:
BJP’s Dependence on Nitish Kumar for Key OBC and EBC Votes in Bihar Elections
Ashok Kumar Akela, from Nur Mohammad Chak in Mahua constituency, emphasised the strategic significance of Nitish in Bihar politics. “BJP’s politics starts with Ali and ends at Bajrang Bali, mostly appealing to upper-caste voters. Among OBCs, EBCs and SC/STs, castes with significant populations have their own netas. Nitish is the head of numerically smaller castes, and BJP can only get these votes if he leads the alliance.”
This underscores how Nitish Kumar’s support among smaller but politically influential castes makes him a pivotal figure in state politics, bridging gaps that neither BJP nor RJD can fill alone.
Nitish Kumar’s Development-First Politics Winning Over Voters Across Communities
Residents across constituencies shared examples of tangible improvements under Nitish’s leadership. Arun Shahi from Minapur pointed out, “Sheohar is about 30km from here, and it used to take five hours to reach. Now it takes less than an hour. Obviously, Nitish has made these roads.”
Meanwhile, Shankar Sahani, from the fisherman community in Raghavpur, highlighted the practical benefits of Nitish’s governance: “He keeps his promise. I get the elderly pension and free electricity. I will vote for Nitish.”
These stories reflect a politics of modest gains and realistic expectations, where small but consistent improvements matter more to voters than grandiose promises.
Nitish Kumar’s Political Longevity Explained
The enduring appeal of Nitish Kumar lies in his ability to deliver steady development across Bihar’s socio-economic spectrum. From improving rural infrastructure to providing direct financial assistance, he has created a sense of trust among voters who remember fulfilled promises more than lofty declarations.
Sabbu Mirza summed it up philosophically: “Some people tried to damage the state’s social fabric, but Nitish managed to hold it together. Now people realise that Hindus and Muslims do business with each other. Market is a great equaliser, and hunger ultimately overrides ideology.”
In Bihar, where expectations were historically low and governance gaps stark, Nitish Kumar’s pragmatic, inclusive, and development-oriented politics continues to resonate strongly with voters, securing his relevance even after more than two decades in power.
Inputs from TOI
Bihar Muslims and Minority Voters Acknowledge Nitish Kumar’s Governance
As per a TOI report, Sabbu Mirza, a resident of Madarsa Chawk in Muzaffarpur’s Kurhani constituency, said, “Although I will vote for RJD, you won’t find people speaking against Nitish even after four full terms.” His uncle, Muhammad Amanullah, a JD(U) panchayat-level office-bearer, added, “Nitish is not the leader of one caste. He has a mass base, and that is his appeal.”
Read more: Nitish Kumar, how Bihar 'changed' or 'not' under ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ two-decade rule
Despite his caste, the Kurmis, constituting only about 3% of Bihar’s population, Nitish enjoys support beyond traditional political blocs. His popularity spans multiple communities, including 10% Hindu upper castes, over 4% Kushwahas, more than 5% Paswans, over 3% Musahars, and 2.6% Mallahs, demonstrating a broad-based appeal rarely seen in Bihar politics.
How Development Schemes and Economic Policies Have Strengthened Nitish Kumar’s Popularity
A TOI report highlighted insights from senior journalist Ajeet Dwivedi, who has covered Bihar’s politics for decades. He observed that voter fatigue with Nitish Kumar was evident earlier this year, particularly when Tejashwi Yadav seemed to emerge as a potential successor in Mandal (OBC and EBC) politics. However, Dwivedi noted that recent governance initiatives have shifted public perception, including:
- Pensions for widows, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals
- Doubling salaries for school night guards and PT teachers
- Rs 10,000 assistance to around a crore women
BJP’s Dependence on Nitish Kumar for Key OBC and EBC Votes in Bihar Elections
Ashok Kumar Akela, from Nur Mohammad Chak in Mahua constituency, emphasised the strategic significance of Nitish in Bihar politics. “BJP’s politics starts with Ali and ends at Bajrang Bali, mostly appealing to upper-caste voters. Among OBCs, EBCs and SC/STs, castes with significant populations have their own netas. Nitish is the head of numerically smaller castes, and BJP can only get these votes if he leads the alliance.”
This underscores how Nitish Kumar’s support among smaller but politically influential castes makes him a pivotal figure in state politics, bridging gaps that neither BJP nor RJD can fill alone.
Nitish Kumar’s Development-First Politics Winning Over Voters Across Communities
Residents across constituencies shared examples of tangible improvements under Nitish’s leadership. Arun Shahi from Minapur pointed out, “Sheohar is about 30km from here, and it used to take five hours to reach. Now it takes less than an hour. Obviously, Nitish has made these roads.”
Meanwhile, Shankar Sahani, from the fisherman community in Raghavpur, highlighted the practical benefits of Nitish’s governance: “He keeps his promise. I get the elderly pension and free electricity. I will vote for Nitish.”
These stories reflect a politics of modest gains and realistic expectations, where small but consistent improvements matter more to voters than grandiose promises.
Nitish Kumar’s Political Longevity Explained
The enduring appeal of Nitish Kumar lies in his ability to deliver steady development across Bihar’s socio-economic spectrum. From improving rural infrastructure to providing direct financial assistance, he has created a sense of trust among voters who remember fulfilled promises more than lofty declarations.
Sabbu Mirza summed it up philosophically: “Some people tried to damage the state’s social fabric, but Nitish managed to hold it together. Now people realise that Hindus and Muslims do business with each other. Market is a great equaliser, and hunger ultimately overrides ideology.”
In Bihar, where expectations were historically low and governance gaps stark, Nitish Kumar’s pragmatic, inclusive, and development-oriented politics continues to resonate strongly with voters, securing his relevance even after more than two decades in power.
Inputs from TOI
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