Nitish Kumar Takes Oath for Historic 10th Term as Bihar Chief Minister

Patna, November 20, 2025 — In a landmark political moment, Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time on Thursday. The grand oath-taking ceremony at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan marked the formal establishment of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government following its resounding victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections.

A Milestone in Bihar Politics

At 74, Nitish Kumar continues to be a towering figure in state politics. His unparalleled political longevity and administrative image have earned him the title Sushasan Babu” — the harbinger of good governance. With this term, he cements his legacy as one of India’s most enduring regional leaders.

Top National Leaders in Attendance

The ceremony drew a powerful lineup of national figures:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah
  • BJP National President J.P. Nadda
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
  • Several NDA Chief Ministers from across India

Their presence underscored the political significance of the moment and the NDA’s renewed dominance in Bihar.

Formation of the New Cabinet

Alongside Nitish Kumar, 27 ministers from allied parties were administered the oath of office and secrecy.

Two prominent BJP leaders —

  • Samrat Choudhary, and
  • Vijay Kumar Sinha

were sworn in once again as Deputy Chief Ministers, ensuring continuity and balance within the coalition structure.

A Landslide Victory for the NDA

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections delivered a decisive mandate:

  • Total Seats in Assembly: 243
  • NDA’s Tally: 202 seats (nearly three-fourths majority)
  • BJP: 89 seats (single-largest party)
  • JD(U): 85 seats

This overwhelming victory paved the way for Nitish Kumar’s smooth return to leadership.

Political Context Behind the Oath

On Wednesday, Nitish Kumar had formally submitted his resignation as the outgoing Chief Minister, only to be unanimously re-elected as the leader of both the JD(U) Legislature Party and the NDA Legislature Party shortly after.

Choosing the sprawling Gandhi Maidan — a venue associated with major political milestones and several of his past inaugurations — sent a clear message of confidence and continuity from the NDA leadership.