India, Oct. 19 -- Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar has long been regarded-along with the late Sushil Modi of the BJP-as one of the few clean politicians in Bihar's often murky political landscape. Yet, for all his reputation for probity, Nitish never built a trusted inner circle. He allowed people to come close, but the moment he sensed they might overshadow him, he pushed them away. It became a revolving door-Nitish at the centre, everyone else orbiting around him, never for long. Today, many call him their leader, but few seem truly invested in his fate.

Political observers and long-time associates told The Sunday Guardian that at this final stretch of his political career, Nitish stands surrounded by oppo...