Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was sworn in for a record 10th term today at Gandhi Maidan, solidifying his position as the state’s longest-serving leader with over 18 years in office since his substantive entry in 2005, raising speculation whether the 75-year-old alliance maestro can extend his tenure to 2031 and claim India’s top spot for most years as CM, surpassing Sikkim’s Pawan Kumar Chamling’s 24 years and 165 days (1994–2019). Kumar’s political odyssey, marked by resilience and strategic flips—joining NDA in 2005, RJD in 2015, back to NDA in 2022—has defined Bihar’s trajectory, from the brief 7-day term in 2000 (failed majority test) and interim Jitan Ram Manjhi stint to today’s NDA triumph of 200+ seats in the 243-member assembly.
Bihar’s Ironman: 18+ Years and Counting
Kumar’s cumulative tenure exceeds 18 years, eclipsing predecessors like Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 15 years and Karpoori Thakur’s 8 years, achieved through nine prior oaths (often as MLC to circumvent direct contests since 2005). His ‘Sushasan’ model—prohibition, women’s ₹10K aid to 1.25 Cr Jeevika Didis, infrastructure—earned the 67.14% turnout mandate, with BJP’s 88-90 seats, JD(U)’s 76-83, and allies’ 30+ anchoring the coalition.
National Landscape: Chamling’s Throne in Sight?
India’s longest-serving CMs: Chamling (24y 165d, 5 terms); Naveen Patnaik (24y 99d, 5 terms, ended 2024); Jyoti Basu (23+y, 5 terms); Gegong Apang (22+y); Lal Thanhawla (22y); Virbhadra Singh (21y); Manik Sarkar (19+y). At 75, Kumar needs 6 more years to 2031 for Chamling’s record—feasible with NDA’s dominance, though health and alliances pose challenges.
Kumar’s Arc: From 2000 Flop to 2025 Triumph
Kumar’s debut: 7 days in 2000 (majority failure). Post-2005 resurgence: NDA partner, 2015 RJD flip, 2022 NDA return—delivering stability amid controversies. Today’s oath, with Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha as Deputies, signals continuity.
Record Quest: Legacy or Longevity?
NDA’s sweep positions Kumar for extension; at 81 by 2031, surpassing Chamling would cement ‘Sushasan Babu’ as Bihar’s eternal icon, blending JP’s revolutionary spirit with enduring governance.
