Digital News Guru Bihar Desk:
Nitish Kumar’s swearing-in as Bihar Chief Minister for the 10th time
In a historic and politically resonant moment for Bihar, Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister for the 10th time on 20 November 2025. The ceremony, held at the iconic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, marked not just a personal milestone for the veteran politician, but also underscored the dominance of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar’s political landscape.
Landslide Victory Sets the Stage
Nitish Kumar’s return to power comes on the back of a resounding victory for the NDA in the recent Bihar Assembly elections. The alliance secured 202 out of 243 seats, a commanding majority that left the opposition trailing. The scale of the win reflects both the strength of the alliance and the enduring appeal of Kumar’s leadership.
The Oath Ceremony: A Grand Affair
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted under tight security, attended by top national leaders. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Nitish Kumar. Among the dignitaries present were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J.P. Nadda, highlighting how significant this moment was for the NDA.
Alongside Kumar, 26 other ministers took oath, drawn from the NDA coalition. The cabinet is deliberately balanced, representing various parties and social groups within the NDA, signaling both political pragmatism and alliance unity.
Leadership Confirmed Before the Ceremony
A day earlier, Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected leader of both the JD(U) Legislature Party and the NDA Legislature Party. This solidified his position as the NDA’s choice for CM and set the formal process in motion. He subsequently submitted his resignation, as per procedural norms, to the Governor and staked his claim to form the government.
Deputy Chief Ministers & Government Composition
For the new term, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both from the BJP, were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. The cabinet composition reflects a distribution of power among NDA partners: 8 ministers from JD(U), 14 from BJP, and others from smaller regional allies. This balance suggests Nitish is keen to maintain cohesion within the coalition, even as he leads for a record term.
A Political Journey of Resilience
Nitish Kumar’s journey to this 10th term has been marked by adaptability, alliances, and long-term political strategy. Known as “Sushasan Babu” for his focus on governance, he has forged, broken, and rebuilt alliances over decades — most notably with the BJP-led NDA and previously with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s camp.
Analysts note that despite questions about his longevity and relevance, Kumar has demonstrated extraordinary political resilience. His ability to oscillate between coalitions while retaining his core political identity has been central to his staying power.
What This Means for Bihar
- Continuity in Governance: With Nitish back in the saddle, Bihar can expect a continuation of his policy priorities — infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and law-and-order reforms.
- Strengthened NDA Hold: The massive electoral mandate reinforces the NDA’s dominance in Bihar and boosts its political capital at the national level.
- Balancing Act: The new cabinet’s caste and party representation underscores a careful political balancing act. Nitish will need to manage divergent interests within the coalition to maintain stability.
- Age & Legacy: At 74, Nitish’s 10th swearing-in raises questions about succession planning, but also reinforces his legacy as one of India’s most enduring state-level politicians.
- Public Expectations: Given the NDA’s sweeping win, there are high public expectations for tangible development — especially in areas such as education, rural development, and job creation.
Reactions From Across the Spectrum
Opposition leaders have offered cautious congratulations. Tejashwi Yadav, a prominent opposition figure, expressed hope that the new government would deliver on its promises. Meanwhile, political commentators view this as a vindication of Nitish’s political acumen — his ability to reinvent himself, remain relevant, and lead a broad alliance.
Looking Ahead
The next few months will be critical. Nitish’s 10th term presents both an opportunity and a challenge: an opportunity to translate a dominant electoral mandate into real governance outcomes, and a challenge to manage coalition dynamics while addressing Bihar’s deep-seated development needs.
With many in the NDA optimistic and the public watching closely, Nitish Kumar’s decade-defining return could shape not just the future of Bihar, but also the political narrative for the alliance ahead of future national contests.
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