“Counting Terms: Nitish Kumar Seeks 10th Stint as Bihar CM”

Nitish Kumar Set for 10th Term: India’s Longest-Serving Chief Ministers.

With the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing a decisive victory in Bihar, Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar is poised to become Chief Minister for a record 10th term. He has already served nine times, including a brief seven-day stint in 2000, making him Bihar’s longest-serving CM.

Looking at India’s longest-serving chief ministers:

1. Pawan Kumar Chamling, Sikkim – 24 years (1994–2019): Led Sikkim for nearly 25 years, winning five consecutive terms.

2. Naveen Patnaik, Odisha – 24 years (2000–2024): Oversaw Odisha for over two decades before the BJP ended his tenure.

3. Jyoti Basu, West Bengal – 23 years (1977–2000): Declined the Prime Minister’s post, widely respected for political skill.

4. Gegong Apang, Arunachal Pradesh – 22 years (1980–1999; 2003–2007): Served in two separate stints, shaping state politics.

5. Lal Thanhawla, Mizoram – 22 years (1984–2018 across three terms): Focused on infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

6. Virbhadra Singh, Himachal Pradesh – 21 years (1983–2017 across four terms): Congress veteran and state leader for decades.

7. Manik Sarkar, Tripura – 19 years (1998–2018): Served four consecutive terms.

8. Nitish Kumar, Bihar – 19 years (2000; 2005–2014; 2015–Present): Bihar’s longest-serving CM across multiple terms.

9. M Karunanidhi, Tamil Nadu – 18 years (1969–2011 across four terms): Left a lasting legacy in state politics.

10. Parkash Singh Badal, Punjab – 18 years (1970–2017 across four terms): One of India’s longest-serving and youngest CMs.

Nitish Kumar’s upcoming term cements his place among India’s most enduring political figures, highlighting his long-standing influence in Bihar and beyond.