Nitish Kumar: From Birth to Becoming Chief Minister of Bihar

Nitish Kumar — Full Biography

Complete life history • 10-time Chief Minister • Political journey • Major reforms

10-time Chief Minister of Bihar

Early Life & Background

Born: 1 March 1951, Bakhtiarpur, Patna, Bihar

Parents: Ram Lakhan Singh (Ayurvedic practitioner) & Parmeshwari Devi

He belongs to the Kurmi agricultural community and grew up in a modest socio-economic background.

Education

Nitish Kumar completed his engineering degree (B.Sc Engineering) from Bihar College of Engineering (now NIT Patna).

He briefly worked in the Bihar State Electricity Board before entering politics.

Entry Into Politics & JP Movement

Influenced by Jayaprakash Narayan and Lohiaite socialism, Nitish joined the JP Movement (1974–75), which shaped his political ideology against authoritarianism.

Rise in National Politics

He served in multiple Union ministries:

• Railway Minister
• Agriculture Minister
• Surface Transport Minister

His Railway Ministry tenure (2001–2004) is remembered for administrative reforms.

Chief Minister of Bihar — All 10 Terms

1st Term (2000): Lasted 7 days; resigned due to lack of majority.

2nd Term (2005–2010): Big reforms in roads, law & order, girls' education.

3rd Term (2010–2014): Massive mandate; resigned after 2014 LS defeat.

4th Term (2015): Returned after Jitan Ram Manjhi crisis.

5th Term (2015–2017): RJD + Congress alliance.

6th Term (2017–2020): Rejoined NDA.

7th Term (2020–2022): NDA government.

8th Term (2022–2024): Mahagathbandhan government.

9th Term (2024): Returned to NDA.

10th Term (2024–Present): Historic 10th swearing-in.

Major Schemes & Governance

Saat Nischay (Seven Resolves)

• Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal (Tap water)
• Toilet construction
• Youth training schemes
• Road & drainage upgrades

Women Empowerment

• 50% reservation in Panchayats
• Bicycle & uniform schemes for girls

Liquor Prohibition (2016)

A statewide liquor ban aimed at social reform; faced enforcement challenges.

Impact on Bihar

Sector	Outcome
Roads	Massive rural connectivity expansion
Electricity	Near 100% household electrification
Women Empowerment	Strong SHG movement (Jeevika)
Law & Order	Improved policing, faster trials

Personal Life

Nitish married Manju Kumari Sinha in 1973. She passed away in 2007. Their son, Nishant Kumar, stays away from active politics.

Conclusion

Nitish Kumar remains one of Bihar’s most influential leaders. His administrative style, shifting alliances, and 10 terms as Chief Minister make him a central figure in modern Indian political history.