Nitish Kumar: A Case Study in Opportunistic Politics

DILIP DAIMARY

In the dynamic world of politics, where alliances are forged and broken with remarkable frequency, few figures embody the art of political opportunism as vividly as Nitish Kumar, the long-standing Chief Minister of Bihar.

Kumar’s recent decision to join forces with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after resigning from the Chief Minister’s post and ending his alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress has once again brought his opportunistic nature to the forefront of public discourse.

Nitish Kumar’s political career is marked by a series of alliances, breakups, and realignments that reflect a calculated pursuit of power rather than a commitment to any particular ideology or principle. Born on March 1, 1951, Kumar first became Chief Minister of Bihar in 2000, serving in the role for two terms before resigning in 2005.

He then formed a coalition with the BJP and returned as Chief Minister in 2005, holding the position until 2014. Since then, he has served as Chief Minister of Bihar for multiple terms, most recently taking office in 2020.

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Kumar’s reputation as a political opportunist stems from his frequent switches between alliances and parties, often driven by pragmatism rather than conviction. His decision to join hands with the BJP, despite previous differences and criticisms exchanged between the two parties, underscores his willingness to sacrifice principles for power.

Kumar’s alliance with the BJP is seen as a strategic move aimed at securing political relevance and consolidating his position in Bihar’s complex political landscape. Critics of Nitish Kumar’s opportunistic politics argue that his frequent flip-flops undermine his credibility as a leader and reflect a lack of ideological commitment.

Political strategist Prashant Kishor has criticized Kumar’s penchant for shifting allegiances, referring to him as “paltumaar” or someone who keeps changing his stance. Kishor’s remarks highlight the perception of Kumar as a politician driven more by expediency than principle, willing to abandon allies and principles for personal gain.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has also criticized Kumar for his opportunistic nature, labeling him as the “great paltu Ram” in political history. The NCP’s remarks reflect the widespread perception of Kumar as a politician who opportunistically switches alliances to serve his own interests rather than the interests of the people he represents.

Kumar’s alliance with the BJP has drawn criticism from various quarters, with critics accusing him of betraying the opposition bloc and compromising his integrity for political gain.

Kumar’s history of opportunistic politics has made him a polarizing figure in Bihar’s political landscape, with supporters praising his pragmatism and detractors condemning his lack of principles. While some argue that Kumar’s ability to adapt and survive in the ever-changing world of politics is a testament to his political acumen, others view his opportunistic tendencies as a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the electorate.

In the wake of Kumar’s recent alliance with the BJP, questions have been raised about the implications of his decision for Bihar’s political future and the broader electoral landscape. Kumar’s departure from the opposition bloc has raised concerns about the prospects of opposition unity against the BJP and the impact of his decision on Bihar’s governance and development agenda.

Critics of Nitish Kumar’s opportunistic politics argue that his frequent switches between alliances undermine the stability and integrity of Bihar’s government and erode public trust in the political process. Kumar’s alliance with the BJP has been criticized as a betrayal of the opposition bloc and a blow to the prospects of opposition unity against the BJP.

Nitish Kumar’s history of opportunistic politics reflects the complexities and challenges of navigating Bihar’s volatile political landscape. While his pragmatism and adaptability have enabled him to survive and thrive in the cutthroat world of politics, his frequent switches between alliances have raised questions about his credibility and integrity as a leader.

As Bihar’s political future hangs in the balance, Kumar’s opportunistic nature continues to be a subject of debate and scrutiny, highlighting the enduring tension between pragmatism and principle in politics.

29-01-2024

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