Is Nitish Kumar’s ‘Operation Homeopathic’ Underway? Power Struggle Between Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha and Bureaucracy Comes to the Fore

The absence of Revenue and Land Reforms Department Principal Secretary C.K. Anil from a key government workshop has triggered intense political speculation in Bihar, bringing to light the simmering tension between Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha and the state bureaucracy. Political circles are now interpreting this episode as Chief Minister **Nitish Kumar’s subtle yet effective administrative check—often described as his “homeopathic treatment”—on assertive ministers.

The controversy unfolded during the Land Reforms Public Welfare Workshop organised by the Revenue and Land Reforms Department at Gyan Bhavan, Patna. As the event progressed and Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha rose to address the gathering, the conspicuous absence of the department’s top bureaucrat raised eyebrows among journalists and officials alike.

Absence That Spoke Louder Than Words

Despite the presence of several senior officers—including departmental secretaries, special secretaries, directors, additional secretaries and senior officials from land acquisition, consolidation and IT wings—Principal Secretary C.K. Anil was nowhere to be seen during the initial hours of the workshop. This immediately fuelled speculation that the Chief Minister had quietly reined in his ally minister through bureaucratic signalling.

The phrase “homeopathic treatment” began circulating in political corridors—an expression often used to describe Nitish Kumar’s low-profile but precise method of administrative correction without overt confrontation.

Where Was the Principal Secretary?

Sources later clarified that C.K. Anil was attending a two-day high-level workshop ‘Manthan 2025’ in Gaya, organised by the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development. The event was attended by divisional commissioners and district magistrates from across the state and was held at the special invitation of Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit. During the Gaya programme, Anil addressed key issues related to revenue and land reforms.

Due to this official engagement, he could not attend the Gyan Bhavan workshop at its outset. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha interacted directly with the officials present, issued instructions and emphasised corrective measures in his address.

The Second Act: Sudden Meeting, Subtle Message

The episode, however, did not end there. After returning to Patna post-lunch, Principal Secretary C.K. Anil proceeded directly to the Land Reforms workshop at Gyan Bhavan and began addressing officials. The situation took an unexpected turn when Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha arrived at the venue shortly thereafter.

The sudden convergence of the minister and the principal secretary led to visible administrative hurriedness and quiet exchanges. Although the two did meet and interact, the optics of the moment reinforced the perception that all was not entirely smooth within the department.

Political Signals and Administrative Messaging

While no official statement points to an open rift, the sequence of events has sent a strong political message. Observers believe the incident underscores Nitish Kumar’s governance style—where discipline within the alliance and bureaucracy is enforced through calibrated moves rather than direct confrontation.

Whether coincidence or calculated restraint, the episode has once again highlighted the delicate balance of power between ministers and senior bureaucrats in Bihar, and how the Chief Minister continues to manage it with quiet precision.