Nitish Kumar: The man of many U-turns

CNBC TV18

By Priyanka Deshpande

Published Jan 29, 2024

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar on Sunday January 28 took oath as the Bihar Chief Minister for a record ninth time after returning to the NDA fold.

Image: PTI

In his fifth political switch since 2015, Nitish Kumar returned to the BJP-led NDA around 18 months after he left it.

Image: PTI

With Nitish Kumar back in NDA fold again, here's a look at his political career, and his many U-turns.

Image: PTI

Nitish Kumar entered politics as a member of the Janata Dal; elected to the state assembly.

1985

Image: Reuters

Nitish Kumar and George Fernandes defected from the Janata Dal to form the Samata Party.

1994

Image: Wiki Commons

Kumar switched his loyalty to BJP after winning his first Lok Sabha seat.

1996

Image: Reuters

Allies with the BJP-led NDA to become chief minister of Bihar for the first time.

2000

Image: Wiki Commons

Becomes Bihar’s chief minister for the second time with the BJP as the coalition partner.

2005

Image: Wiki Commons

Sweeps back to power in Bihar with the BJP as the coalition partner.

2010

Image: Reuters

Parts ways with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Narendra Modi was announced its prime ministerial candidate.

2013

Image: Wiki Commons

Forged an alliance with the RJD and Congress, called ‘Mahagathbandhan’, and returned as chief minister of Bihar.

2015

Image: Wiki Commons

Broke out of the alliance after accusing the RJD of corruption. Resigned as the CM of Bihar. Joined the NDA and comes back to power.

2017

Image: Wiki Commons

Sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister for seventh time in 20 years in the presence of top leaders of NDA.

2020

Image: Reuters

Parted ways with the NDA, rejoining the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) and UPA.

2022

Image: Reuters

Returns to NDA fold after a dramatic volte-face..

Image: PTI

2024

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Nitish Kumar's 9th term as Bihar CM comes with a dynamic cabinet lineup — Check full list of ministers