Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Nitish Kumar for his ninth tenure as Bihar's Chief Minister, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and expressing optimism about the future trajectory of governance in the state.
In a communication posted on X, PM Modi underscored the commitment of the newly formed NDA government in Bihar to prioritize the holistic development of the state and to address the aspirations of its populace comprehensively. He specifically lauded Nitish Kumar's leadership and also acknowledged the appointments of Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha as Deputy Chief Ministers, commending their roles in steering the state forward.
PM Modi articulated his confidence in the collective capabilities of the leadership team, expressing assurance that they would serve the citizens of Bihar with unwavering dedication and diligence.
The oath-taking ceremony, which transpired at the Raj Bhavan on Sunday, marked the culmination of Nitish Kumar's decision to resign from his position as Bihar CM, a move announced earlier during the Janata Dal (United) legislative meeting.
Nitish Kumar's political journey in recent years has been characterized by shifts in alliances and coalition dynamics. Following the Bihar 2020 assembly elections, where his party JD(U) allied with the BJP under the NDA banner, Kumar assumed the role of Chief Minister. However, in 2022, he opted to join the 'Mahagathbandhan' alliance, which included the RJD, Congress, and Left parties.
After this transition, Nitish Kumar once again ascended to the Chief Ministerial position, this time under the 'Mahagathbandhan' umbrella, with Tejashwi Yadav as Deputy Chief Minister. However, internal differences within the alliance prompted Kumar to reconsider his allegiance, leading to speculation about a potential reunion with the NDA.
This oscillation in alliances isn't unfamiliar to Nitish Kumar's political history. In the Bihar 2015 assembly elections, his JD(U) formed a successful alliance with the RJD and Congress, leading to a comprehensive victory. However, subsequent disagreements led to Kumar's departure from the coalition and a subsequent realignment with the NDA, facilitated by BJP support.
Throughout these transitions, Nitish Kumar has consistently sought to navigate Bihar's political landscape, making strategic choices in the pursuit of governance and development.