Patna. Lok Sabha elections 2004 had brought a big turning point in the politics of Bihar. The election results were not just a number, but also a political message. A round of questions had started regarding his leadership and future prospects. There was no presence of him in any statement, meeting or political discussion… The talk was about the defeat of Nitish Kumar from Barh Lok Sabha seat. Then everything from the power equations of the state to the strategy of the opposition was changed. At the time of parliamentary elections 2004, the politics of Bihar was at a boil and the state was struggling between social equations, caste mobilization and political statements. In this election, Nitish Kumar was defeated from Barh Lok Sabha seat. The defeat was not just a mathematical calculation of numbers, but had deep consequences politically. It was a deep question on his self-confidence, his political future and his leadership image. The leader, whom many people were seeing as an alternative to Lalu Yadav, suddenly stood in political darkness. Experts in the politics of that era say that after the results came out, Nitish Kumar did not meet anyone for four days. Neither statement from the press, nor party meeting, nor any event. As if he had disappeared from the political stage.
Barh parliamentary seat loss in 2004 changed everything
Why will the public consider me the face of power? This question later became the basis of his political power and comeback. Experts say that this was the time when Nitish Kumar was only thinking that if he wants to change the politics of Bihar, he will have to change his strategy also. Four days later, when Nitish came out in public again, his method had changed, his thinking had changed and also the goal of politics. Close relatives say that during these days, Nitish Kumar decided that in Bihar politics, development and trust are needed, not just caste balance and slogans. He will no longer be just a leader – he will be an option.
First major test and incomplete mandate in February 2005
After this came the first assembly elections of 2005. That February election was a turning point in the politics of Bihar. On one side was the rule of RJD and Lalu Prasad for more than a decade, on the other side was NDA and its chief ministerial contender Nitish Kumar. The old slogan of social justice and the new development agenda of NDA were face to face. Results came – RJD remained the largest party, but far from the majority. In the February 2005 elections, NDA (JDU + BJP) became the largest alliance by winning 92 seats, but remained 30 seats away from the majority. Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi were trying to form the government but Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP did not support and President’s rule was imposed.
Second chance, fresh air and clear message in October 2005
This incomplete mandate shook the politics of Bihar. The chair of power remained vacant for eight months and during that time the people of Bihar became more restless in search of change. The atmosphere had changed and people wanted order, stability and were looking for a new leadership. This was the period in which Nitish’s political character started becoming stronger and more acceptable. Nitish Kumar did not accept defeat and after eight months elections were held again, but this time the atmosphere was different. The demand for corruption, hijacking industry and good governance had gained momentum in Bihar. The crowd at Nitish Kumar’s rallies was increasing during the election campaign and the tone of the BJP-JDU alliance had changed. People were coming forward for change with the slogan of development and trust.
The lesson of defeat made him the most powerful leader of Bihar.
When elections were held again in October 2005, the direction of the wind was clear. The trend of the crowd in the rallies, the tone of people’s words and the balance of political equations were declaring that this time Bihar is moving towards a new chapter. The results came and NDA got a clear majority. NDA created history by winning 143 seats – JDU got 88 seats and BJP got 55 seats. It was clear that NDA gained majority and RJD was out of power. On 24 November 2005, Nitish Kumar became the Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time. Obviously, the defeat in Barh parliamentary constituency which had forced him to remain in ‘darkness’ for four days, the lesson of the same defeat had made him the most powerful leader of Bihar.
A story of strategy, leadership and change from 2005 onwards
In the eyes of experts, this victory was not just a political comeback for Nitish Kumar, it was the victory of the introspection that he had done after the 2004 defeat. Elections were held again in October 2005 and this time Barh’s defeat was turned into strength! When Nitish Kumar became the Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time, this chair was not just a matter of power, but it was a victory of his patience, his introspection and his reconstruction. As soon as Nitish Kumar assumed power, he considered the CM chair not as a chair but as a responsibility. Law and order improved, roads were built, steps were taken to improve education and his politics went beyond caste equations, administrative reforms, social justice and development – all this became the identity of Nitish Kumar’s rule.
Sometimes defeat makes a leader worthy of history!
Experts say that as the period of Nitish Kumar’s rule progressed, the perception gradually strengthened among the public that he is not just a leader who manages political equations, but a strategist and administratively thinking leader. Looking back today, almost two decades later, Nitish Kumar’s return in 2005 was not just an electoral victory, but a moment that changed the definition of leadership, strategy and vision in Bihar politics. The 2004 defeat didn’t stop him—it renewed him. And this is why that defeat is today considered the most important brick of his political journey. The gist is this – in politics, victories write history, but sometimes defeats make a leader worthy of history.
