Bihar Chief Ministers list: The Untold Saga of Bihar’s Chief Ministers

Bihar Chief Ministers list: Bihar’s chief ministerial office has been the epicenter of the state’s governance and a reflection of its vibrant and often tumultuous political landscape since India gained independence in 1947. This coveted position has evolved dramatically over the decades, mirroring the dynamic nature of Indian democracy and the unique socio-political fabric of Bihar. A journey through the list of its leaders reveals a captivating narrative of power, ambition, and the ever-shifting sands of political alliances.

Nestled in the heart of eastern India, Bihar is a land of profound historical and cultural significance. It has been a cradle of ancient civilizations, home to world-renowned centers of learning like Nalanda, and a pivotal player in India’s freedom struggle. This rich heritage has undoubtedly shaped its political identity, making the role of its Chief Minister not just an administrative one, but a position of immense influence and responsibility.

Since its formation, the state has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous leaders from a diverse spectrum of political parties, each contributing their chapter to Bihar’s ongoing story of development and progress. To date, 23 individuals have had the honor of serving as Chief Minister, with tenures ranging from a fleeting four days to over a decade of sustained leadership.

The legacy of this high office began with Shri Krishna Sinha, who, as the first Chief Minister after independence, laid the foundational stones of governance in a newly independent nation. In stark contrast, the contemporary political arena of Bihar has been largely defined by the enduring presence of Nitish Kumar. His political journey, marked by strategic alliances and a focus on governance, has been a central theme in the state’s politics for over two decades.

As of the latest political developments, Nitish Kumar continues to hold the office of Chief Minister, having taken the oath in January 2024. His long-standing leadership underscores the complex and fascinating nature of Bihar’s political theater.

A Chronicle of Bihar’s Chief Ministers: From 1947 to Present

The following is a comprehensive list of the individuals who have steered the course of Bihar’s governance, each leaving a unique imprint on the state’s history:

Sr. No.	Chief Minister Name	Term Start	Term End	Duration	Party
1	Shri Krishna Sinha	15 Aug 1947	31 Jan 1961	13 years, 169 days	Indian National Congress
2	Deep Narayan Singh	1 Feb 1961	18 Feb 1961	17 days	Indian National Congress
3	Binodanand Jha	18 Feb 1961	2 Oct 1963	2 years, 226 days	Indian National Congress
4	Krishna Ballabh Sahay	2 Oct 1963	5 Mar 1967	3 years, 154 days	Indian National Congress
5	Mahamaya Prasad Sinha	5 Mar 1967	28 Jan 1968	329 days	Jana Kranti Dal
6	Satish Prasad Singh	28 Jan 1968	1 Feb 1968	4 days	Shoshit Dal
7	B. P. Mandal	1 Feb 1968	22 Mar 1968	50 days	Independent
8	Bhola Paswan Shastri	22 Mar 1968	29 Jun 1968	99 days	Indian National Congress
9	Harihar Singh	26 Feb 1969	22 Jun 1969	116 days	Indian National Congress
8	Bhola Paswan Shastri	22 Jun 1969	4 Jul 1969	12 days	Indian National Congress (O)
10	Daroga Prasad Rai	16 Feb 1970	22 Dec 1970	309 days	Indian National Congress (R)
11	Karpoori Thakur	22 Dec 1970	2 Jun 1971	162 days	Socialist Party
8	Bhola Paswan Shastri	2 Jun 1971	9 Jan 1972	221 days	Indian National Congress (R)
12	Kedar Pandey	19 Mar 1972	2 Jul 1973	1 year, 105 days	Indian National Congress (R)
13	Abdul Ghafoor	2 Jul 1973	11 Apr 1975	1 year, 283 days	Indian National Congress (R)
14	Jagannath Mishra	11 Apr 1975	30 Apr 1977	2 years, 19 days	Indian National Congress (R)
11	Karpoori Thakur	24 Jun 1977	21 Apr 1979	1 year, 301 days	Janata Party
15	Ram Sundar Das	21 Apr 1979	17 Feb 1980	302 days	Janata Party
14	Jagannath Mishra	8 Jun 1980	14 Aug 1983	3 years, 67 days	Indian National Congress (I)
16	Chandrashekhar Singh	14 Aug 1983	12 Mar 1985	1 year, 210 days	Indian National Congress (I)
17	Bindeshwari Dubey	12 Mar 1985	13 Feb 1988	2 years, 338 days	Indian National Congress (I)
18	Bhagwat Jha Azad	13 Feb 1988	10 Mar 1989	1 year, 25 days	Indian National Congress (I)
19	Satyendra Narayan Sinha	11 Mar 1989	6 Dec 1989	270 days	Indian National Congress (I)
14	Jagannath Mishra	6 Dec 1989	10 Mar 1990	94 days	Indian National Congress (I)
20	Lalu Prasad Yadav	10 Mar 1990	28 Mar 1995	5 years, 18 days	Janata Dal
20	Lalu Prasad Yadav	4 Apr 1995	25 Jul 1997	2 years, 112 days	Janata Dal/RJD
21	Rabri Devi	25 Jul 1997	11 Feb 1999	1 year, 201 days	Rashtriya Janata Dal
21	Rabri Devi	9 Mar 1999	2 Mar 2000	359 days	Rashtriya Janata Dal
22	Nitish Kumar	3 Mar 2000	10 Mar 2000	7 days	Samata Party
21	Rabri Devi	11 Mar 2000	6 Mar 2005	4 years, 360 days	Rashtriya Janata Dal
22	Nitish Kumar	24 Nov 2005	20 May 2014	8 years, 177 days	Janata Dal (United)
23	Jitan Ram Manjhi	20 May 2014	22 Feb 2015	278 days	Janata Dal (United)
22	Nitish Kumar	22 Feb 2015	Present	10 years+	Janata Dal (United)

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