As the Bihar assembly polls enter the final phase, the current Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar recently stated that this might be the last time he is participating in the Bihar elections, while addressing the crowd during his rally in Purnia district.

The three-time CM of Bihar had announced his retirement for the very first time during his rally in Dhamdaha constituency, Purnia.

Following this, most of Kumar’s opponents took the liberty of making statements and comments on his retirement. The Chief Ministerial contender from the grand alliance, Tejashwi Yadav said that the CM is now tired of his duties, which is why he is unable to manage Bihar and has finally understood the political reality of his state.

Chirag Paswan, the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader took this opportunity to woo the voters in his favour saying that Kumar and his government are not going to return to be held accountable for their actions. He persuaded the voters to not vote for someone who is not responsible or accountable.

Randeep Singh Surjewala, the Congress leader prominently guiding the strategy of INC for Bihar polls also commented on Kumar’s retirement plans in a recent press conference. He said that it is a good step that the CM has decided to let go of his duties, as the Janata Dal (United) and Modi government led by Bhartiya Janata Party has done more harm than anyone else to Bihar, especially to the youth and women.

While Nitish Kumar has strongly hinted at moving towards his retirement from Bihar politics, he also made sure to assure the current Bihar residents that if given a chance, he will not let them feel unsafe regarding the new Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). As the CM addressed minority groups in the Seemanchal region, he assured  the Muslim community in his speech there, that nobody is sending them away as they are a part of this country.

He mentioned that his government has always focused on spreading brotherhood and compassion among the people. Kumar also talked about how his government managed to pay the ‘Madarsa’teachers’ proper salaries as government school-teachers are paid in other states.

In addition to the Muslims, he also focused on the large proportion of women participation during his stay in Bihar as CM. He said, “When we got an opportunity, we gave them 50% reservation in Panchayati raj institutions and municipal corporations. Three times elections have happened and look at the high number of women (participating). In the same way, for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Extremely Backward Classes, we gave reservations. And in EBCs, everyone is included, from every religion.”

Kumar became the CM of Bihar as part of the National Democratic Alliance in 2000. He has had continuous support from the BJP since 2005.

The author is a student member of Amity Centre of Happiness.