Nitish Kumar's Tactical Maneuvers Redefine Bihar's Political Landscape in 2024

Patna, Dec 26 (NationPress) The year 2024 was a pivotal year for Bihar, bringing significant changes that would influence the entire national political landscape.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, recognized for his astute political strategies, reestablished his alliance with the BJP and Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM) to form a government in Bihar. This strategic shift laid the groundwork for crucial political and infrastructural reforms across the state.

Bihar emerged as a key battleground during the Lok Sabha elections, where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) excelled, clinching 30 out of 40 seats. This included 12 seats won by the BJP, 12 by JD-U, 5 by LJP(RV), and 1 by HAM.

As the BJP fell short of the majority threshold of 272 seats, Nitish Kumar's JD-U became an essential ally in forming the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, establishing his role as a kingmaker in both state and national politics.

The first Union Budget under this new NDA administration underscored Bihar's significance, demonstrating Nitish Kumar's political clout.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman designated Rs 26,000 crore for the construction of three expressways to bolster the state's infrastructure.

Additionally, Rs 11,500 crore was earmarked to combat the state's persistent flooding issues.

A comprehensive financial package of Rs 60,000 crore represented a transformative investment in Bihar's advancement.

The renewed partnership between JD-U and BJP, alongside a robust NDA performance, has fostered political stability in Bihar, facilitating smoother governance and policy implementation.

With an enhanced role in the Central government, Nitish Kumar's influence as a political heavyweight has intensified, aligning both state and national objectives.

2024 stands as a landmark year for Bihar, not only for its internal governance but also for its substantial impact on national political dynamics.

These developments have solidified Nitish Kumar's reputation as a master strategist and reinforced Bihar's crucial role within India's political framework.

The year 2024 has been a watershed moment for Bihar, highlighting significant progress across various sectors, driven by improved coordination between the state and Central governments under the "double engine government" concept.

The Central government also announced a 2,400 MW power project in Pirpainti, representing a massive Rs 21,000 crore investment aimed at enhancing Bihar's energy infrastructure.

Furthermore, Rs 800 crore has been allocated for investments to transform Gaya into an industrial hub, which is expected to create employment opportunities for thousands, thereby fostering industrial growth in the area.

Pending projects, such as the developments of Purnea and Bihta airports, have also been expedited to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga at the Sobhan-Ekmi bypass, a milestone for healthcare infrastructure in North Bihar.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, allocated Rs 5 lakh crore for road projects in Bihar, enhancing transportation and trade routes, along with a scenic corridor from Digha to Patna city to improve urban transport and tourism.

He also inaugurated Bihar's inaugural sports university in Rajgir, complete with an international sports stadium, to promote sports education and offer world-class facilities.

The Bihar government has committed Rs 25,000 crore to enhance rural connectivity, vital for socio-economic development.

Moreover, the construction of the Metro in Patna has accelerated to modernize urban transport.

The priority corridor from Zero Mile to Malahi Pakadi, covering a 6-km stretch, is expected to be operational by mid-2025.

A six-lane bridge on the Ganga River is another noteworthy project aimed at easing traffic and improving inter-regional connectivity.

Bihar Business Connect 2024 marked another significant milestone in the state's economic progression, with 423 companies signing MoUs with the Bihar government for a total investment of Rs 1,80,899 crore.

Prominent industrial players such as Sun Petrochemicals, Ankur Biochem, Captain Steel, Shree Cement, Birla Cement, JK Cement, Dalmia Cement, Haldiram, Supreme Group, and the Adani Group are poised to invest in Bihar.