Former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest continuously serving Prime Minister, calling the occasion 'historic' and praising the Prime Minister's leadership in development, governance, and public welfare.

Context

Posting on X in Hindi, Nitish Kumar wrote: 'आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जी को भारत के सर्वाधिक समय तक निरंतर सेवा देने वाले प्रधानमंत्री बनने पर हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं' ['Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the Prime Minister who has served India continuously for the longest period']. Kumar acknowledged that personal commitments prevented him from being physically present at any celebratory event, but conveyed his best wishes through the post. He also prayed for the Prime Minister's good health and long life.

Policy Backdrop

Narendra Modi has served as Prime Minister since May 2014, leading BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments through two successive Lok Sabha mandates and into a third term. His tenure has been marked by flagship programmes spanning infrastructure, digital governance, and direct-benefit welfare transfers. JD(U), the party led by Nitish Kumar, rejoined the NDA ahead of the 2020 Bihar assembly elections, making it a key coalition partner at the centre.

In his post, Kumar specifically highlighted the NDA alliance's joint efforts in Bihar, stating that 'many public welfare and development works in Bihar have gained momentum through our shared efforts in the NDA coalition.' This framing underscores the federal coordination between Patna and New Delhi that has characterised the relationship since 2014.

Stakeholders and Impact

The message carries significance for Bihar's residents, who have been beneficiaries of centrally sponsored schemes rolled out in coordination with the state government. Coalition partners across the NDA spectrum also watch such public affirmations as signals of political cohesion. Kumar's note about being unable to attend in person — citing 'some personal engagements' — drew attention, though no further detail was provided.

For the JD(U) and its supporters, the tribute reinforces the party's alignment with the BJP-led central government at a time when Bihar's political landscape remains closely watched ahead of state electoral cycles.

What's Next

Bihar assembly elections are scheduled for 2025, making the NDA's continued cohesion a politically consequential factor for both the state and central governments. Fresh central announcements on Bihar-specific infrastructure or welfare packages under the NDA framework are expected to remain a key metric of the alliance's functioning. Kumar's public tribute, coming at a milestone moment for the Prime Minister, reinforces the partnership signal at a time when coalition optics carry electoral weight.