PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U leader Nitish Kumar is regarded as one of the most seasoned and adaptable leaders in Indian politics, having navigated decades of ideological shifts, coalition realignments and governance experiments. With his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, his long political journey appears set to enter a new phase.
Nitish Kumar began his political career in student activism. He first contested the Harnaut Assembly seat in 1977 but was unsuccessful.
In 1985, he was elected from Harnaut to the Bihar Legislative Assembly, marking the beginning of his active legislative career. He entered the Lok Sabha in 1989 after being elected from the Barh constituency.
He was subsequently re-elected from Barh in 1991, 1996, 1998 and 1999.
In the Union government, he handled key portfolios including Agriculture, Railways and Surface Transport. His tenure as Railway Minister drew particular attention for administrative reforms and safety measures.
In 2004, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Nalanda constituency.