Nitish Kumar’s importance in Indian politics will grow

Significance

Losing power in Bihar was an unexpected setback for the BJP. Separately, rivals to the party have in recent months talked about forming a broad front to challenge Modi at the 2024 general election.

Impacts

• The BJP will work hard to discredit Kumar, determined to win more of the parliamentary seats allocated to Bihar than his party in 2024.
• Parties thinking about establishing an anti-BJP front would probably struggle to define a common agenda as well as to decide on a leader.
• A top priority for Kumar’s government in the immediate term will be to reduce joblessness in Bihar.