Nitish Kumar's political journey: From humble beginnings to key ministerial roles and 9th term as CM

Nitish Kumar was born on March 1, 1951, in Bakhtiarpur, Patna, Bihar (File image)

Nitish Kumar, leader of the Janata Dal (United), was sworn in for a record ninth term as the Chief Minister of Bihar on January 28. As he begins a new phase, let's delve into his early life and political journey – tracing his humble beginnings to his emergence as a key figure in Indian politics.

Birth and education

Nitish Kumar was born on March 1, 1951, in Bakhtiarpur, Patna, Bihar. His remarkable journey unfolds against the backdrop of modest beginnings. He pursued his engineering education at Bihar College of Engineering, now known as National Institute of Technology, Patna, graduating in 1972.

Student activism in 1970s

During the 1970s, Nitish actively participated in the socialist movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan.

Entry into politics with Janata Dal in 1980s

Nitish Kumar forayed into politics in the 1980s when he aligned himself with the Janata Dal, becoming an important leader in Bihar's political landscape.

Formation of Samata Party (1994)

In 1994, Nitish Kumar, along with veteran socialist leader George Fernandes and others, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Samata Party.

Electoral success (Since 1985)

Elected to the state assembly for the first time in 1985, on Janata Dal ticket from Harnaut, Nitish's journey witnessed milestones with his first election as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Barh in 1989. He was subsequently re-elected as MP in 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2004.

Merger of Samata Party into JD(U) in 2003

In the year 2003, the Samata Party, under Nitish's leadership, merged into the Janata Dal (United).

As a Union Minister (1990-2004)

Nitish Kumar assumed various ministerial roles at the central level. He served as Union Minister of State, Agriculture and Co-operation, and later as Union Cabinet Minister for Railways and Agriculture.

Chief Ministerial stints begin (2000)

Nitish assumed the role of Bihar's Chief Minister for the first time in 2000, marking the beginning of a series of tenures.

Challenges and alliance dynamics

Nitish's political journey has not been without challenges. Resignations, strategic alliances, and electoral setbacks have been part of the narrative. From the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to the Grand Alliance and back to the NDA, the 9-time Bihar CM has shown a knack for adapting to the ever-evolving dynamics of politics.