Nitish Kumar’s ‘Secret Formula’: Maintaining Control Over Bihar’s Bureaucracy Since 2010

Patna, Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ability to maintain a tight grip on power has often intrigued political observers. Analysts point out that his secret lies in a reliable and strategically managed bureaucracy, enabling him to control administrative affairs and monitor ministers effectively—a practice he has perfected since coming to power in 2010.

Strategic Use of Bureaucracy
Unlike Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who rose to power in 2017, Nitish Kumar has been leveraging the bureaucracy to consolidate authority since his early years as a Union Minister. His strategy of nurturing administrative loyalty began with the induction of trusted officials, notably bringing in RCP Singh as a Special Secretary during his tenure as Railway Minister, later elevating him to a key party position.

First Targets – Giriraj Singh
The first ministerial “target” of this administrative oversight was BJP’s firebrand leader Giriraj Singh. Appointed as the Minister of Animal Husbandry on 26 November 2010, Singh sought to implement reforms and connect with stakeholders. However, when departmental cooperation failed, he vented his frustration publicly, claiming that the Chief Minister was unavailable for meetings, highlighting early examples of ministerial reliance on bureaucratic channels controlled by Nitish.

Ram Narayan Mandal and Administrative Oversight
Similarly, Ram Narayan Mandal, MLA from Banka and later Minister for Revenue and Land Reforms, faced difficulties when his suggestions for transfers and postings were blocked by his secretary. Reports from the secretary were sent directly to Nitish Kumar, who promptly canceled problematic orders, reinforcing his authority over ministerial actions. A comparable episode occurred in July 2022 when Revenue Minister Ramsurat Rai’s large-scale transfers of over 110 officials—including circle officers and land reform officials—were annulled by the Chief Minister due to detected irregularities.

Vijay Kumar Sinha Under Scrutiny
Currently, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha appears to be Nitish Kumar’s latest ministerial “subject.” During a land reform welfare workshop in Patna, Sinha was engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions while Principal Secretary CK Anil and other senior bureaucrats, including directors and special officers, monitored activities closely. Their presence exemplifies the Chief Minister’s hands-on approach, ensuring ministers operate within controlled parameters.

Conclusion
From Giriraj Singh to Vijay Kumar Sinha, Nitish Kumar’s administration demonstrates that ministerial authority is effectively balanced by trusted bureaucrats. By maintaining direct control over key administrative channels, he ensures that governance, departmental transfers, and political dynamics remain under his firm oversight—a system that has helped him retain power and stability in Bihar politics for over a decade.