Patna: Facing sharp attacks from the opposition over his health, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has responded not with words but with relentless action. Between October 16 and November 9, the 74-year-old leader held an astonishing 181 rallies and road shows across Bihar, spending nearly eight hours daily on the campaign trail—amounting to 1,448 hours in just 25 days.
Opposition leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Mukesh Sahni had questioned Nitish’s “mental and physical fitness” for the top post, calling him “unwell.” But the veteran politician countered such criticism by holding marathon rallies across districts, often starting his day at 9:30 a.m. and returning home only by evening.
120 km Roadshow in a Single Day
On October 29, Nitish Kumar undertook a 120-km roadshow across seven constituencies in his home district Nalanda, covering a total of 220 km including travel from Patna. From Rajgir to Hilsa, he addressed voters and urged them to back NDA candidates. On November 1, despite heavy rains forcing the cancellation of a rally in Muzaffarpur, the CM continued with a road show and met supporters on foot.
Campaigning Through Festivals and Fatigue
Nitish even campaigned during the Chhath Puja festival, addressing rallies at Gai Ghat, Meenapur, and Kanti. According to party insiders, he spent around eight hours a day on campaign events, often eating breakfast at his official residence and lunch aboard his helicopter between rallies.
Focused Messaging: 20 Years of Work, 7 Nischay Yojana, and Attacks on ‘Jungle Raj’
An analysis of Nitish Kumar’s speeches revealed striking consistency across his campaign trail. He repeated one line more than 500 times: “They (Lalu family) did nothing, we did everything.” Each rally focused on listing the achievements of his two-decade governance and contrasting them with what he called the “fear and corruption” of the pre-2005 era.
The Chief Minister highlighted the 7 Nischay Yojana—covering drinking water, electricity, education, employment, and women’s empowerment. He reminded voters of schemes like Jeevika, under which over one crore women in rural Bihar have become self-reliant. “We empowered women by giving them reservation in jobs and local bodies,” he said.
Employment Promise and Minority Outreach
Nitish Kumar also promised employment for one crore people over the next five years, saying, “Our government is committed to the future of the youth.” He emphasized inclusive development, citing schemes for minority welfare such as fencing graveyards and maintaining communal harmony.
Emphasis on Double-Engine Government
At every rally, Nitish underlined the benefits of the “double-engine government,” saying, “We are getting full support from the Centre. The Modi government has approved 430 development schemes for Bihar.”
Defying Age and Criticism
Political analyst Santosh Kumar said Nitish’s campaign was a direct rebuttal to those questioning his age or health. “Holding seven rallies daily and being on the ground for eight hours proves his endurance. He has answered his critics through sheer energy and commitment,” he said.
Past Gaffes Fuelled Health Rumours
Questions about Nitish Kumar’s mental sharpness began after a few controversial public moments. In 2023, he made awkward remarks during a legislative session about gender relations; in 2024, he threw a bow at a Ravana effigy instead of shooting it; and in early 2025, his comments on women’s clothing drew criticism. Despite such episodes, his election performance suggests the veteran leader remains both politically sharp and physically active.
By the close of campaigning on November 9, Nitish Kumar had not only covered the length and breadth of Bihar but also silenced whispers about his health — proving that in Bihar politics, stamina remains his strongest weapon.
