BJP still needs Nitish Kumar despite differences in Bihar politics

Nitish Kumar has been the Chief Minister of Bihar many times, and even though he is older and unwell, he is still very important to the BJP. The political combination of Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, often called the “Nimo jodi,” is a special arrangement in Bihar where past conflicts are forgotten to stay in power. Both leaders know that keeping Nitish in the alliance is more useful than replacing him.

Nitish Kumar has switched sides several times in his long career. In 2017, he left the RJD-led alliance and rejoined the BJP, mainly for political convenience, not friendship. Eight years later, the situation has not changed much. The BJP does not have a strong local leader in Bihar who can match Nitish’s experience and influence. Congress is weak and cannot challenge the BJP effectively. Other political newcomers like Prashant Kishor are still trying to find their place in Bihar’s complex caste and social politics.

In past elections, the BJP has tried to reduce Nitish’s influence. For example, in 2020, they promoted Chirag Paswan as a new leader to gain JD(U) votes. The JD(U) did win fewer seats than before, but the BJP did not replace Nitish as Chief Minister. Nitish has been able to survive politically by switching alliances and understanding the balance of power. In 2022, he briefly joined the opposition INDIA alliance, but later returned to the NDA before the 2024 general election, showing his ability to adapt and survive.

Nitish Kumar still controls a solid vote base, especially among women and extremely backward castes. These votes are very important in Bihar, where elections are often decided by a small number of votes. In 2020, the main contest was decided by only 12,768 votes, and JD(U) had around 15 percent of the total vote share. Women voters, who benefited from Nitish’s welfare programs and education incentives, continue to support him strongly. This “She” vote is a key reason why Nitish remains indispensable for the BJP in Bihar.

Bihar politics and Nitish Kumar’s influence

Nitish Kumar’s political experience and long career make him a valuable ally for the BJP. He has been elected nine times as Chief Minister and has developed strong influence in many regions. Even though he is not in good health, his presence stabilizes the NDA’s position in Bihar. Without him, the BJP would struggle to manage caste equations and voter loyalties in the state. Bihar’s politics are heavily influenced by caste, and Nitish has built a strong network across backward castes, women, and rural voters.

In many states, the BJP can dictate terms to its allies. In Bihar, this is not possible because the BJP does not have a strong backward caste leader to replace Nitish. In 2015, the BJP tried to fight Bihar elections alone but failed against the combined strength of the Lalu–Nitish coalition. Losing elections alone taught the BJP that alliances are crucial. Therefore, even a weakened Nitish Kumar cannot be dropped because his political experience, vote base, and social appeal are still important.

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The BJP also understands the value of loyalty and compromise. Nitish may no longer have the same energy as before, but he continues to represent stability and experience. His policies, especially for women and backward communities, make him popular among key voters. For example, initiatives like providing bicycles to schoolgirls and programs for women’s empowerment have created a loyal voter base. These voters make a real difference in Bihar elections, often deciding close contests.

Even Prime Minister Modi, who does not easily forgive past political opposition, has kept Nitish close. Past conflicts between Nitish and Modi are set aside for political convenience. Bihar politics has a long history of shifting alliances, and both leaders know that working together benefits them. There may come a time in the future when the BJP tries to reduce Nitish’s influence, similar to how it managed allies in Maharashtra. But for now, Nitish remains essential to the NDA’s strategy.

Nitish Kumar’s journey also shows how politics changes character and conscience over time. In 2013, he left the Chief Minister’s post briefly to protest Modi’s elevation as BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. He criticized Modi strongly then, but today he works closely with him. This shows that political interests, alliances, and survival often take priority over past differences.

In short, Nitish Kumar may be older and unwell, but he still plays a central role in Bihar’s politics. His vote base, influence over key social groups, and political experience make him indispensable to the BJP. The “Nimo” jodi continues because both leaders see it as the best way to stay in power and manage Bihar’s complex political landscape. Replacing Nitish now could be risky for the BJP, which makes him a political necessity rather than a choice.