Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi: From Trusted Partners to Political Estrangement

Nitish Kumar and Sushil Kumar Modi, two stalwarts of Bihar politics, were once seen as an unparalleled team whose partnership set a benchmark for political collaboration in the state. Starting as comrades during the JP Movement, their camaraderie grew into a political alliance that shaped Bihar’s governance for over a decade and a half.

A Partnership Rooted in History

Nitish Kumar, the leader of Janata Dal (United), and Sushil Kumar Modi, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, share a long-standing history that dates back to the JP Movement of the 1970s. Both leaders were young political activists inspired by the ideals of socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan, and they stood together to challenge the prevailing political order.Their bond deepened as they carved out their political careers, and by the mid-2000s, they emerged as key players in Bihar’s governance. The year 2005 marked a turning point in their political journey when Nitish Kumar became the Chief Minister of Bihar and Sushil Modi took on the role of Deputy Chief Minister under the BJP-JD(U) alliance.For the next 15 years, except for a brief period when Nitish aligned with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Nitish-Modi duo became synonymous with Bihar’s governance. Their combined leadership was credited with steering the state towards development and improving law and order, a stark contrast to the “jungle raj” era associated with previous governments.

**Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar paying tribute to late Sushil Kumar Modi by offering flowers to his picture on his birth anniversary. Venue: Shri Krishna Memorial Hall, Patna**

The Bond of Trust

Nitish Kumar’s public statements over the years reflect the deep trust he had in Sushil Modi. In one such instance, Nitish openly acknowledged that if Sushil Modi had held a top leadership position in the BJP, the alliance between JD(U) and BJP would never have broken. This statement underscored not only the strength of their personal rapport but also Nitish’s confidence in Sushil Modi’s leadership abilities and his moderate approach within the BJP.

Sushil Modi, on the other hand, played a key role in maintaining the alliance’s stability, often acting as a bridge between Nitish and the BJP leadership. His soft-spoken demeanor and willingness to compromise for the sake of governance earned him Nitish’s respect and admiration.

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The Political Rift

Despite their strong partnership, the dynamics between Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi began to shift post-2020. In November 2020, after the NDA’s victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP decided to reshuffle its leadership in the state. Sushil Modi, who had served as Deputy Chief Minister multiple times, was replaced by two new BJP leaders, Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi.

This decision marked a significant departure from the long-standing Nitish-Modi equation. For Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi’s removal symbolized a shift in the BJP’s approach, indicating a more assertive stance within the alliance. The absence of Sushil Modi, who had always played a balancing role, created a vacuum in the BJP-JD(U) relationship.

Nitish’s Reflection on the Rift

Nitish Kumar’s acknowledgment of Sushil Modi’s importance came to the fore once again during his public speeches post-split. In one such instance, Nitish remarked, “If Sushil Modi were still in a top role within the BJP, the alliance would not have come to an end.” This candid admission highlighted the level of trust Nitish had in his former ally and the crucial role Sushil Modi played in maintaining harmony within the coalition.

For Sushil Modi, the separation was equally significant. While he has remained loyal to the BJP and refrained from openly criticizing Nitish, his reduced role in state politics has been noted by political observers. Many believe that the BJP’s decision to sideline him in Bihar contributed to the escalation of tensions between the two parties.

A Tale of Changing Alliances

The story of Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi is emblematic of the shifting nature of political alliances in India. Once celebrated as a model of cooperation and trust, their relationship ultimately succumbed to the pressures of evolving political strategies and party dynamics.

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Their partnership, which spanned over 15 years, left a lasting impact on Bihar’s governance. Together, they were credited with driving development, improving infrastructure, and ensuring better law and order in the state. However, their separation reflects the challenges of coalition politics, where individual relationships often struggle to withstand broader political realities.

The estrangement of Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi also serves as a reminder of the fragility of political alliances, where shifting power dynamics can redefine even the strongest of partnerships.

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