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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has assumed office for an unprecedented 10th time, but even as political optics grow flashier across India, his personal affidavit continues to stand out for its extraordinary simplicity and transparency.

Affidavit Shows Total Assets of Just ₹1.64 Crore

Nitish Kumar’s latest election affidavit reveals that his total assets amount to ₹1.64 crore, almost unchanged since last year.
The breakdown of his assets highlights a lifestyle anchored in modesty:

• Immovable Assets: A single 1,000 sq ft flat in Delhi’s Dwarka area valued at ₹1.48 crore

• Movable Assets: Worth ₹16.97 lakh, including:

  • Cash: ₹21,052

  • Bank deposits: ₹60,811

  • One Ford EcoSport valued at ₹11 lakh+

  • Two gold rings & one silver ring worth ₹1.26 lakh

  • Household electronics including a treadmill, AC, and microwave

13 Cows & 10 Calves: A Glimpse of His Rural Roots

One detail that caught public attention is Nitish Kumar’s declaration of 13 cows and 10 calves.
These not only highlight his fondness for animal husbandry but also reflect his deep connection to Bihar’s rural culture.

Surprisingly, Nitish owns no house in Patna or anywhere else in Bihar, has no agricultural land, and carries no liabilities—a rarity in today’s political landscape.

A Stark Contrast in an Era of Flashy Wealth

At a time when political stature is often displayed through expensive SUVs, grand homes, or luxury lifestyles, Nitish Kumar offers a stark alternative.

In a country where even small-time businessmen can be found with disproportionately large assets, Nitish’s affidavit reiterates his long-built image as “Sushasan Babu”—a leader who practises the frugality he preaches.

Historic Oath Ceremony Attended by PM Modi

Nitish Kumar took oath for his 10th term at a grand ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant political moment for Bihar.
Yet, despite the grandeur of the event, it was his unchanged financial disclosure that turned heads and sparked conversation.

A Reputation for Austerity Remains Unshaken

As he begins another term at the helm of Bihar, Nitish Kumar’s affidavit reinforces his reputation as one of the few Indian politicians whose public life and personal lifestyle reflect consistent modesty.

His wealth may not speak volumes, but it tells a story—one of integrity, restraint, and a political identity built not on opulence but on simplicity.

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BJP Leads in 95 Seats, NDA Crosses Majority Mark Without Nitish Kumar

The Bihar Assembly elections have delivered a dramatic shift in the state’s political landscape, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) crossing the halfway mark and securing over 122 seats—notably without veteran leader Nitish Kumar playing a central role. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the single largest party, leading in 95 of the 101 seats it contested, marking one of its strongest performances in the state.

LJP(R) Surges with Strong Debut

Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has made a striking impact in its electoral debut under the new banner, securing leads in 21 of the 28 seats it contested. The strong showing has strengthened the NDA’s overall tally and expanded its support base across multiple regions.

RLSP and HAM Add to NDA Strength

The NDA’s other allies have also performed significantly well.

• Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP is leading in 4 seats,

• Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM is ahead in 5 seats.

Together, the four-party coalition has comfortably surpassed the 122-seat majority threshold required in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, positioning itself to form the next government.

Nitish Kumar Not Projected as CM Candidate

In a major departure from previous elections, Nitish Kumar was not projected as the chief ministerial face of the NDA. BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal stated that the chief minister would be chosen on the basis of democratic consensus within the alliance, and the party securing the highest number of seats—in this case the BJP—naturally stands in the leading position to claim the top post.

Mahagathbandhan Flounders with Only 30 Seats

The Mahagathbandhan, comprising the RJD, Congress, and allied parties, has faced a steep setback, securing leads in only 30 seats. Following his defection to the opposition in 2022, Nitish Kumar now finds himself politically isolated, lacking both coalition support and the numbers required to form a government.

The current mandate underscores a sweeping realignment in Bihar’s political scene, marked by the BJP’s ascendancy and a diminishing influence of traditional power players.

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Bihar on Edge as Election Results Near

Patna, Nov 12: With the Bihar Assembly election results set to be announced on November 14, the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance has gone on the defensive — or rather, the offensive — in ensuring its newly elected MLAs remain secure from alleged poaching attempts.

Fearing a repeat of past defections and political upheavals, the alliance, spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has drawn up a comprehensive plan to safeguard its legislators once the results are declared. The move underscores heightened political tension in the state, where even before the final count, backroom strategies are in full swing.

RJD’s Contingency Plan to Secure MLAs in Patna

As the largest party in the alliance, the RJD will take the lead in mobilising and securing its winning candidates. According to sources, Tejashwi Yadav has directed that all victorious RJD MLAs report to Patna immediately after the results to prevent any possible defection attempts.

Party functionaries are reportedly finalising accommodation and logistics arrangements to ensure the legislators stay together under tight supervision until the government formation process concludes.

Smaller Allies Turn to INDIA Bloc States for Support

Among Mahagathbandhan’s smaller partners, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani has outlined an independent safeguard plan. If victorious, he plans to fly his MLAs to West Bengal, a state governed by INDIA bloc ally Mamata Banerjee, to avoid potential horse-trading.

Similarly, the Congress — another key constituent of the alliance — has instructed its observers to accompany successful MLAs to Patna first, after which they may be relocated to Karnataka or Telangana, both Congress-ruled states, if the situation demands.

Congress leadership has also extended this protection arrangement to smaller party MLAs and independents aligned with the opposition bloc, indicating a coordinated approach within the INDIA alliance.

Unprecedented Voter Turnout Fuels Political Speculation

The cautious strategy follows an exceptionally high voter turnout of 67.14% in the second phase of polling — the highest ever in Bihar’s electoral history. Analysts believe the surge in participation could signal a tight contest.

While Prashant Kishor, chief of the Prashant Kishor Party, claims the record turnout reflects support for his outfit, the Mahagathbandhan leadership, particularly Tejashwi Yadav, remains optimistic about forming the next government.

Political History Fuels Apprehension

Bihar’s turbulent political past — marked by frequent alliance breakups and power shifts — has clearly influenced the Mahagathbandhan’s preemptive strategy. The alliance appears determined to prevent any post-result political engineering by rival camps once the final numbers are out.

As the state awaits results with bated breath, both camps — the ruling and the opposition — are reportedly on high alert. With high stakes and a close fight expected, Bihar’s political theatre seems set for yet another dramatic act.

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