Nitish Kumar Sets Eye On 10th Term: A Look At India’s Longest-Serving Chief Ministers

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered a landslide victory in the Bihar assembly elections as it won 202 of the state’s 243 seats. The coalition’s two major constituents – the BJP and Nitish

Kumar’s JD(U) – won 89 and 85 seats, respectively. In sharp contrast, the Mahagathbandhan crumbled under the wave. The RJD managed just 25 seats, the Congress collapsed to 6, and the Left parties together secured only 3. The BSP and IIP picked up one seat each.

With achieving such a decisive victory, Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar is poised to take office for another term. Kumar, the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister, has already held the post nine times.

Let’s have a look at the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India.

Pawan Kumar Chamling (Sikkim): 24 years (December 12, 1994 – May 26, 2019): Pawan Kumar Chamling is the longest-serving Chief Minister in Indian politics. He led Sikkim continuously for nearly 25 years. During his tenure, his party won five consecutive terms, and Chamling delivered a model of development, stability, and peace that earned him a distinct identity at the national level. His leadership style is often described as a “rare example of sustained public support.”

Naveen Patnaik (Odisha): 24 years (March 5, 2000 – June 12, 2024): Naveen Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha for over 24 years. In his long-spanning tenure, he transformed the state’s politics and governance landscape. Known for his calm demeanour, simplicity, and firm administrative decisions, Patnaik built a reputation as a decisive yet understated leader. His tenure came to an end after the BJP’s victory in the 2024 elections, but he remains one of India’s most popular and longest-serving leaders.

Jyoti Basu (West Bengal): 23 years (June 21, 1977 – November 5, 2000): Jyoti Basu was one of India’s most respected Left leaders. He served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 21 June 1977 to 5 November 2000, completing more than 23 years in office. Basu was known for maintaining a rare balance between political stability and party ideology. He was once proposed for the post of Prime Minister of India, a position he declined.

Gegong Apang (Arunachal Pradesh): 22 years (January 18, 1980 – January 19, 1999; August 3, 2003 – April 9, 2007): Gegong Apang has been one of the most prominent figures in Arunachal Pradesh’s political landscape. He served as Chief Minister for nearly 23 years across two separate terms — first from 1980 to 1999, and again from 2003 to 2007. Apang played a crucial role in strengthening the state’s administrative framework and development processes. His ability to return to power in vastly different political circumstances established him as a leader of a distinct stature.

Lalthanhawla, (Mizoram): 22 years (May 5, 1984 – August 21, 1986; January 24, 1989 – December 3, 1998; December 11, 2008 – December 15, 2018): Lalthanhawla served as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for a total of 22 years across three terms — 1984–1986, 1989–1998, and 2008–2018. During his tenure, he oversaw major improvements in the state’s road infrastructure, healthcare system, and education network. He is widely credited with helping shape Mizoram’s image as a stable and steadily rising state. His political journey has been marked by persistence, victories, and notable comebacks.

Virbhadra Singh (Himachal Pradesh): 21 years (April 8, 1983 – March 5, 1990; December 3, 1993 – March 24, 1998; March 6, 2003 – December 30, 2007; December 25, 2012 – December 27, 2017): Virbhadra Singh was Himachal Pradesh’s longest-serving Chief Minister. Across multiple terms — 1983–1990, 1993–1998, 2003–2007, and 2012–2017 — he governed the state for nearly 21 years. Singh was an experienced, widely popular, and deeply rooted leader who crafted several development models tailored to the needs of hill states. His tenure is often regarded as one of the “golden periods” in Himachal Pradesh’s history.

Manik Sarkar (Tripura): 19 years (March 11, 1998 – March 9, 2018): Manik Sarkar is regarded as one of India’s most modest and honest Chief Ministers. He led Tripura for 19 consecutive years, from 11 March 1998 to 9 March 2018. Known for his socialist ideology and strict discipline, Sarkar became a symbol of clean and understated leadership. Under his tenure, Tripura recorded significant progress in healthcare, education, and maintaining peace.

Nitish Kumar (Bihar): 19 years (March 3 – 11, 2000; November 24, 2005 – May 20, 2014; February 2, 2015 – Present): Nitish Kumar is one of the most significant and stable figures in Bihar politics. He first became Chief Minister in 2000 for just seven days, but his political stature rose steadily after 2005. His continuous tenure since 2015 remains intact, and he is now moving toward his 10th term. In total, Nitish Kumar has governed Bihar for more than 19 years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the state’s history.

M Karunanidhi (Tamil Nadu): 18 years (February 10, 1969 – January 31, 1976; January 27, 1989 – January 30, 1991; May 13, 1996 – May 14, 2001; May 13, 2006 – May 16, 2011): Karunanidhi, affectionately known as “Kalaignar,” was one of the most influential leaders in Tamil Nadu’s political history. Across multiple terms — 1969–1976, 1989–1991, 1996–2001, and 2006–2011 — he served as Chief Minister for a total of 18 years, playing a pivotal role in transforming the state into a cultural, economic, and political powerhouse

Parkash Singh Badal (Punjab): 18 years (March 27, 1970 – June 14, 1971; June 20, 1977 – February 17, 1980; February 12, 1997 – February 26, 2002; March 1, 2007 – March 16, 2017): Parkash Singh Badal was among the renowned leaders in Punjab’s political landscape. Across his terms — 1970–1971, 1977–1980, 1997–2002, and 2007–2017 — he served as Chief Minister for a total of 18 years. He was also once the youngest Chief Minister in India. Badal’s tenure is remembered for giving new direction to Punjab’s agriculture, rural infrastructure, and administrative systems.