Nitish Kumar Sworn In for a Record 10th Time As Bihar CM

The political narrative of Bihar reached a historic high today, November 20, 2025, as Nitish Kumar took the oath of office for the tenth time, officially beginning his new term as the state’s Chief Minister. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the sprawling and iconic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, was transformed into a grand spectacle that showcased the decisive mandate given to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the recent Assembly elections.This unprecedented feat reaffirms Mr. Kumar’s position as one of the most durable and indispensable leaders in Indian politics.

The event was marked by the attendance of national political heavyweights, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside other top NDA leaders and Chief Ministers from various allied states.Their presence underscored the national significance of the NDA’s victory and the trust reposed in the 74-year-old Janata Dal (United) leader to steer the state for the next five years.

Governor Arif Mohammad Khan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Kumar, who was first elected as the leader of the JD(U) Legislature Party and later unanimously elected as the leader of the entire NDA Legislature Party. Following the Chief Minister, a total of 27 ministers were also sworn in, representing the various constituent partners of the victorious alliance, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

The new council of ministers includes BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, who retained their positions as Deputy Chief Ministers, signaling continuity in the BJP’s strategy of balancing caste representation at the top. The new cabinet composition aims to strike a balance among the social coalitions that contributed to the NDA’s sweeping victory, which secured a commanding 202 seats in the 243-member state assembly.

This tenth term is a powerful testament to Mr. Kumar’s political survival instincts and his image as Sushasan Babu (the man of good governance), an image that has seemingly insulated him from the typical anti-incumbency waves. He has consistently focused on development and welfare policies, particularly those aimed at women and the Extremely Backward Classes, which have formed the bedrock of his long-lasting electoral success.

For his critics, this repeated return to the top post, despite numerous political shifts and changing alliances over the years, only reinforces his reputation as a master strategist. Regardless of the labels, his leadership has been central to Bihar’s political narrative for over two decades.¹¹ With the new government now formally in place, the focus immediately shifts to the key priorities outlined by the alliance: accelerating development, improving infrastructure, and continuing the welfare agenda. The state and the nation will be closely watching how this seasoned veteran manages the responsibilities that come with such a powerful mandate. The next few months will be crucial as the new cabinet begins its work to deliver on the promises made during the election campaign.