About
Nitish Kumar is an Indian politician who has prominently shaped the political landscape of Bihar, a northern state in India. Born on March 1, 1951, he has served multiple terms as the Chief Minister of Bihar. Nitish Kumar is known for his reformist leadership and his efforts towards improving the infrastructure and socio-economic conditions of Bihar. A stalwart of the Janata Dal (United) party, his tenure is marked by substantial developments in sectors such as education, health, and law and order.
Before Fame
Before his rise to fame in Indian politics, Nitish Kumar pursued a degree in electrical engineering from Bihar College of Engineering (now NIT Patna). His political career began with his association with the anti-Emergency movement in the 1970s, led by Jayaprakash Narayan. Over the years, he has been affiliated with various political parties, including the Janata Party, Lok Dal, and the Janata Dal, eventually becoming a key figure in the Janata Dal (United). His early political trajectory was marked by his participation in student politics and various leadership roles within his party.
Trivia
- Nitish Kumar served as a Union Minister in various capacities, including the Ministry of Railways, Agriculture, and Surface Transport, before becoming the Chief Minister of Bihar.
- He is renowned for implementing the "Bicycle Scheme" for school girls, which significantly improved female literacy rates in Bihar.
- Known for his emphasis on development and governance, Nitish Kumar has launched significant initiatives like the "Mukhyamantri Seven Nischay Yojana" for socioeconomic development.
- Despite being an engineer by education, he chose to dedicate his life to public service and governance.
- Nitish Kumar has a reputation for maintaining a clean image and has been lauded for his efforts to curb corruption in Bihar.
Family Life
Nitish Kumar was born into a family with agricultural roots. His father, Kaviraj Ram Lakhan Singh, was an ayurvedic practitioner and freedom fighter. Nitish Kumar was married to Manju Sinha in 1973, who passed away in 2007. He has a son, Nishant Kumar, who stays away from the limelight and is not active in politics.
Associated With
Nitish Kumar has been associated with several key political figures over his career. He began his political journey under the mentorship of Jayaprakash Narayan during the Emergency period in India. He has worked closely with leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav in the early stages of his career. However, their political paths diverged, resulting in intense rivalry in Bihar politics.
He has also had a long-standing association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), specifically during his terms as the Chief Minister when JD(U) and BJP forged a coalition in Bihar. Despite occasional political differences, his collaboration with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government played a critical role in Bihar’s political dynamics.
Through his significant contributions and enduring influence in Indian politics, Nitish Kumar remains a pivotal figure in contemporary Indian governance.
