Nitish Kumar Set for Record 10th Term as Bihar Chief Minister Amidst Grand Swearing-in Ceremony

Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) supremo, is poised to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for an unprecedented 10th time on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This historic event follows a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections, as reported by india Today on November 19.

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place at the iconic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, marking a significant political moment for the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, alongside a host of other prominent national leaders, underscoring the importance of the occasion, according to Zee News on November 19.

Kumar’s election as the leader of the NDA legislature party was unanimous, a crucial step taken on Wednesday, November 19, ahead of the government formation. The Hindu reported that this solidified his position to lead the new coalition government in Bihar.

The NDA secured a landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls, clinching 202 out of 243 seats, as confirmed by ndtv on November 15. This strong mandate paved the way for Kumar's return to the top executive post.

In the new cabinet, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are slated to assume roles as Deputy Chief Ministers. This decision highlights the power-sharing arrangement within the victorious alliance, newsonair stated on November 19.

The ceremony is anticipated to be a grand display of unity and strength for the NDA, with Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from several BJP-ruled states also expected to be present. The Deccan Chronicle noted on November 19 that this gathering signifies robust support for the new government.

• Nitish Kumar's political journey has been marked by frequent shifts in alliances, making his 10th term as Chief Minister a testament to his enduring influence in Bihar politics. His first brief stint as CM was in 2000, lasting only seven days, as detailed by Wikipedia. He has consistently navigated complex political landscapes, aligning with both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan at various times, yet maintaining his position at the helm of the state government.

• The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections saw a remarkable voter turnout of 67.13%, the highest since 1951, with women voters notably outnumbering men. This high participation underscores the democratic engagement of the state's populace, as reported by ndtv on November 16. The NDA's victory, securing 202 seats, significantly surpassed the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, which managed only 35 seats.

• The formation of this new government comes after Nitish Kumar formally tendered his resignation to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday, November 19, before staking his claim to form the new administration. This procedural step was necessary ahead of the expiry of the previous assembly's term, ensuring a smooth transition of power, according to The Hindu.

• The opposition, primarily the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, faced a significant setback in these elections, securing only 25 seats for the RJD, which is its second-worst performance in a Bihar election. The Times of india reported on November 19 that this defeat has also brought to light internal strife within the Yadav family, further complicating the opposition's position.

• The selection of Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha as Deputy Chief Ministers from the BJP reflects the coalition dynamics and the BJP's strong presence within the NDA. Their appointments are part of the broader cabinet formation, which is expected to include five to six new faces, as indicated by India Today on November 19.

• Preparations for the grand swearing-in ceremony at Gandhi Maidan are in full swing, with officials finalizing arrangements for security, traffic management, and VVIP movement. This large-scale event is designed to showcase the unity and strength of the NDA, with a wide array of national leaders expected to grace the occasion, Zee News confirmed on November 19.

• Nitish Kumar's consistent ability to remain Chief Minister, despite shifting political alliances, has made him Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister. His political career, spanning over four decades, is characterized by strategic decisions and a deep understanding of the state's political landscape, as highlighted by The Times of India on November 15. This longevity underscores his unique position in Indian politics.