Nitish Kumar, Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister, has never been a regular contestant in state assembly elections. Despite having held the state's top position for over 18 years, he has chosen an unconventional route to remain in power, by becoming a member of the Legislative Council (MLC) rather than directly contesting assembly seats. This choice has been a defining feature of his political career and has sparked much discussion over the years.

A History of Limited Direct Elections

Nitish Kumar's electoral journey began in 1977, when he contested his first Bihar Assembly election. He ran in three consecutive elections in 1977, 1980 and 1985, winning only once in 1985. However, after his win in 1985, he shifted his focus from state-level politics to national politics. Over the years

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