As the political landscape heats up, one question dominates conversations across teashops and television debates alike: is Nitish Kumar still the X-factor that determines electoral outcomes in Bihar? The answer, it appears, is far more complex than a simple yes or no.

Nitish Kumar's political career presents an impressive track record that few can match. Whichever party he has allied with has tasted victory in Bihar - the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2005 and 2019, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in 2015, and the BJP again in 2020.

This remarkable streak has earned him the reputation of being Bihar's ultimate kingmaker, who has donned the hat of King for almost 20 years - a leader whose support can swing the entire electoral arithmetic in favour of his chosen partner.

His political strength rests on a carefully cultivated vote bloc comprising Kurmi-Koeri communities (7%), Hindu Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs, at 26%) Mahadalits, and Womenfolk.

These constituencies have remained largely loyal to him through various political upheavals, drawn by his relatively clean image and development-focused governance. 

Nitish Kumar's governance model has been distinctly welfare-oriented, particularly focusing on women's empowerment and marginalised communities

Source:Ndtv