Patna: A village road in Bihar before Nov 2005 would often disappear into potholes, evenings would descend into darkness without electricity and the nearest school or health centre felt like a distant promise. Two decades later, that same village is more likely to have a motorable road, streetlights glowing after sunset, girls cycling to school and a health sub-centre within reach. As Nitish Kumar resigned as chief minister (CM) on Tuesday, Bihar paused to measure the distance travelled between those two realities.Kumar’s tenure, which began in Nov 2005, came at a time when Bihar struggled with lawlessness, poor infrastructure and fragile governance. Over the years, his administration steadily worked to rebuild the basics. Roads connected habitations that had remained cut off for decades, electricity reached homes that had never seen a bulb glow and governance, once seen as absent, began to acquire structure.“Earlier, we planned our lives around darkness and bad roads. Today, we may still have problems, but we feel connected to the rest of Bihar,” said an elderly farmer in a village in Darbhanga. His words echo a sentiment heard in large parts of rural Bihar — not of perfection, but of visible improvement.Law and order was among the earliest areas of focus. Nitish’s govt strengthened policing and fast-tracked the judicial process in criminal cases. While challenges persisted, the climate of fear that once defined many districts gradually eased. Markets stayed open longer, and mobility, especially for women, improved.Infrastructure became the backbone of his governance model. Thousands of kilometres of roads were constructed or repaired, linking villages to district centres and markets. Bridges that had long existed only in announcements were finally built. Electrification expanded, changing both daily life and economic activity in rural areas.Nitish also placed a strong emphasis on social reform, particularly women’s empowerment. The decision to provide 50% reservation for women in panchayats brought a transformation in grassroots governance. Lakhs of women entered public life, altering decision-making at the local level.The bicycle scheme for schoolgirls became one of the most recognisable symbols of his tenure. By enabling girls to travel to secondary schools, it contributed to higher enrolment and retention.Urban Bihar, too, experienced change, albeit unevenly. Cities saw improved roads, better street lighting and expanded public services. However, issues such as employment and urban planning continue to challenge policymakers.Indeed, migration remains one of Bihar’s most persistent concerns. Despite improvements in infrastructure and governance, large numbers of people continue to seek employment outside the state. Kumar’s model prioritised foundational development over rapid industrialisation, a choice that drew both praise and criticism.His decision to impose prohibition in 2016 remains one of the most debated aspects of his tenure. Supporters argue it brought social benefits, particularly for women, while critics point to enforcement challenges and economic implications. Yet, it highlighted Nitish’s willingness to take decisions rooted in social considerations.Personally, Nitish maintained an image of administrative discipline and restraint. Known for his measured demeanour, he focused more on governance than political spectacle. Even critics have often acknowledged his personal integrity and attention to details.Nitish’s political journey also saw shifting alliances between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, drawing criticism for inconsistency. While these moves at times overshadowed his governance record, supporters argue they reflected a pragmatic effort to keep Bihar’s interests central amid changing national politics.As Nitish steps down, Bihar stands at a juncture shaped by his years in office. The transformation is neither complete nor uniform, but it is undeniable. From broken roads and dimly lit homes to improved connectivity and expanding opportunities, the state has witnessed a steady shift.
