Nitish Kumar, Bihar CM for 9th time: A look at his eight previous tenures at the helm

Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar CM for the 9th time after he along with his party joined the BJP-led NDA bloc.(Image: ANI)

In a significant political development, Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) leader, assumed the role of Bihar's Chief Minister for a ninth term on January 28. This occasion came after a series of shifts in his political alliances.

Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both representing the BJP, also took the oath as cabinet ministers in the newly formed government.

Here's a brief look at Nitish Kumar's previous eight terms as Chief Minister:

First term (2000): March 3, 2000 – March 10, 2000

From March 3, 2000, to March 10, 2000, Nitish Kumar assumed the role of Chief Minister for the first time. The Vajpayee Government at the center played a pivotal role in his appointment. Faced with the absence of a clear majority for both the NDA (and allies) and the RJD in the 324-member house, Nitish resigned within seven days before proving his numbers.

Second term (2005–2010): November 24, 2005 – November 24, 2010

Following a victory in the 2005 Bihar Assembly elections, Nitish Kumar embarked on his second term as Chief Minister, serving from November 24, 2005, to November 24, 2010. During this tenure, he garnered support from the NDA partners.

Third term (2010–2014): November 26, 2010 – May 17, 2014

Reclaiming power in 2010 alongside ally BJP, Nitish Kumar helmed Bihar as Chief Minister once more. However, the political landscape shifted on May 17, 2014, when he submitted his resignation in the wake of a dismal performance by his party in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Taking moral responsibility, Nitish Kumar stepped aside, allowing Jitan Ram Manjhi to take charge.

Fourth term (2015): February 22, 2015 – November 19, 2015

On February 22, 2015, Nitish Kumar assumed the Chief Ministerial post once again. This term was brief, as it served as a transitional phase after Jitan Ram Manjhi's resignation. The 2015 Bihar Legislative Assembly election saw the formation of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) with JD(U), RJD, and Congress countering the BJP.

Fifth term (2015 - 2017): November 20, 2015 – July 26, 2017

The Grand Alliance emerged victorious in the November 2015 Assembly election, securing 178 seats against BJP and its allies. On November 20, 2015, Nitish Kumar was sworn in for a record fifth time as Chief Minister, with Tejashwi Yadav as Deputy Chief Minister.

Sixth term (2017 - 2020): July 27, 2017 – November 2020

Corruption charges against Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav compelled Nitish Kumar to resign on July 26, 2017. The refusal of RJD to address the allegations led to the dissolution of the Grand Alliance. Subsequently, Nitish Kumar joined the NDA and reassumed the Chief Minister's office.

Seventh term (2020-2022): November 16, 2020 – 2022

The NDA secured a majority with 125 seats, surpassing the Mahagathbandhan's 110 seats. On November 16, 2020, Nitish Kumar embarked on his seventh term as Chief Minister.

Eighth term (August 9, 2022 - January 28, 2024):

A political twist unfolded on August 9, 2022, as Nitish Kumar severed ties with the NDA, citing differences. Breaking away, he rejoined the Mahagathbandhan, comprising RJD, INC, CPI, and others. On August 10, 2022, Nitish Kumar was sworn in for the eighth time as Chief Minister.

Also Read: Nitish Kumar, the man of many U-turns: Here's a timeline of his changing political alliances