How Nitish Kumar's 'Sushasan Babu' image ended RJD's 15-year dominance in Bihar

This special report charts the turbulent political history of modern Bihar, focusing on the careers of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. It examines the era of 'Jungle Raj', a term that arose from 'increasing accusation of lawlessness, cronyism, administrative breakdown' during the RJD's tenure. The narrative tracks Lalu Prasad Yadav's consolidation of the Muslim-Yadav vote bank, the crisis triggered by the Fodder Scam, and the controversial appointment of his wife Rabri Devi as Chief Minister. The report then details the state's bifurcation in 2000 and the subsequent rise of Nitish Kumar, who, in alliance with the BJP, swept to power in 2005 on a platform of 'vikas' (development). It explores his 'Sushasan Babu' (Mr. Good Governance) persona, his development initiatives like the cycle scheme for girls, and the dramatic political realignments that have defined Bihar's landscape, including the formation of the Mahagathbandhan.