Published - December 29, 2025 12:58 am IST Last month, Nitish Kumar returned as Chief Minister of Bihar after the National Democratic Alliance swept the Assembly elections. Two explanations have featured prominently in much of the commentary by analysts: the State’s improvements in basic infrastructure such as roads, piped water, drains, electricity; and women’s empowerment through self-help groups, cycles for girls, and reservations in panchayats, police and State-level jobs. While both these narratives have merit, Bihar’s infrastructure gains and some elements of its record on women’s empowerment have been under quiet strain.
