Who After Nitish Kumar: Analyst Says Bihar CM Will Surprise

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In a conversation, political analyst Rajeshwar Jaiswal explains why Nitish Kumar’s tenth oath-taking marks an unshakeable mandate, why Chirag Paswan poses no real threat, and how Nitish’s welfare ecosystem has reshaped Bihar’s politics.

By TRH Political Desk

Patna, November 20, 2025 — As Nitish Kumar prepares to take oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the tenth time, political analyst Rajeshwar Jaiswal says the sweeping mandate leaves no space for doubt: “Nitish will remain Chief Minister for the full five years. The victory is his craftsmanship.”

Speaking to journalist Manish Anand for a discussion on YouTube channel of The Raisina Hills, Jaiswal argued that the result is not merely a product of last-minute welfare schemes, but the culmination of 18 years of governance, especially focused on women. “People forget that Nitish didn’t just give ₹10,000 to 16 lakh women this time. He also gave ₹5,000 each to 16 lakh labourers, doubled the dress allowance to ₹5,000, and ensured benefits across caste groups,” he explained.

According to Jaiswal, this election reaffirmed Nitish’s control over Bihar’s political centre of gravity. While the BJP remained a key ally, JD (U) workers were instrumental in pushing the NDA over the line. “Women have been the backbone of Nitish’s politics since the cycle scheme in 2005. Those girls are mothers today. A big chunk of them got jobs because of reservations Nitish created.”

Chirag Paswan’s 19-seat win? Not a sword hanging over Nitish, says Jaiswal

Anand questioned whether Chirag Paswan’s impressive 19-seat win in the new assembly could become a source of pressure.

Jaiswal disagreed sharply. “Last time, Chirag contested over 40 seats and won just one. This time, his presence helped the NDA. Without JD (U) workers, even LJP(RV) would not have crossed these numbers. Nitish still commands a solid 15% EBC base, plus women voters. Nobody can engineer a coup.”

He cautioned that while politics is unpredictable, Nitish remains a shrewd strategist. “People said his health was failing. But even that may have been part of a political rhythm. Nitish knows every tool.”

Will Nitish bring his son Nishant into politics? Analyst says ‘unlikely’

Jaiswal addressed speculation about Nishant Kumar’s potential political role. While Nishant stays more often in Patna now, Jaiswal said Nitish’s ideological commitment to anti-dynasty politics—often citing Karpoori Thakur—makes a family succession improbable.

“Karpoori Thakur left no property or political heir. Nitish holds him as an ideal. If he wanted to launch Nishant, this was the election to do it. He didn’t. A successor may emerge from within the party or from a backward or marginalised community, as he once surprised everyone by making Jitan Ram Manjhi CM.”

Inside Nitish’s governance style: low drama, high delivery

Jaiswal noted that Nitish’s style is understated but deeply strategic. “He works quietly, never indulges in theatrics. Welfare is universal—education, healthcare, liquor prohibition demanded by women. Yes, policing failures exist, and corruption allegations remain, but Nitish listens, adjusts and corrects.”

He expects Nitish to focus heavily on law and order and industrial development to counter narratives crafted by leaders like Prashant Kishor, who alleges mass migration due to poor economic opportunities.

“PK has created a perception battle—trains taking youth out of Bihar. Nitish must respond with jobs and industries. This term, he will be tougher.”

A stable term ahead, but succession remains the unanswered question

As the conversation wrapped up, both Anand and Jaiswal agreed that Nitish Kumar’s political footing is firm, his team is stable, and his health—despite rumours—is not a concern.

But the bigger unknown remains: Who will lead JD (U) after Nitish?

For now, Jaiswal believes the Chief Minister has both the mandate and the machinery to govern with confidence, reinforcing his legacy as Bihar’s longest-serving leader.