Bihar witnessed a major political moment on Thursday as Nitish Kumar returned to power once again, beginning his record 10th term as chief minister. Thousands gathered at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, where national leaders, senior NDA partners, and top ministers arrived to attend the high-profile swearing-in ceremony.
The event marked the formal start of a new NDA government in the state after the alliance’s sweeping win in the Bihar assembly elections.
Nitish Kumar Takes Oath for 10th Term
Bihar entered a new political chapter on Thursday as Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister for the 10th time. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan, which saw heavy deployment of security forces and large crowds waiting since morning. The event began at 11.30 am in the presence of top national leaders and senior members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Nitish Kumar. The ceremony came a day after the JD(U) leader formally met the governor and staked a claim to form the new NDA government in the state. Nitish Kumar stood with key alliance leaders on the stage as he began yet another chapter in his long political journey.
Top National Leaders Attend the Ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first dignitaries to arrive at the venue. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also attended the ceremony. Their presence highlighted the importance the central leadership has placed on the new government in Bihar.
The event also saw participation from the chief ministers of NDA-ruled states. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi were present along with ministers from allied governments. Their presence was seen as a strong show of unity within the alliance.
NDA’s Strong Majority in Bihar Assembly
The NDA returned to power in Bihar with a strong majority in the 243-member assembly. The alliance won 202 seats. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats, while the JD(U) secured 85.
Smaller partners, including the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, contributed to the remaining seats.
Expectations From the New Government
Alliance leaders said they expect the new government to work closely with the Centre on development projects, welfare schemes, and job-related initiatives. Nitish Kumar has often emphasised the need for better infrastructure, improved education, and greater economic opportunities for Bihar’s youth.
With a fresh mandate and strong backing from his partners, Nitish Kumar now enters a new term that will be closely watched across the country. His 10th term marks a rare milestone in Indian politics, reflecting both his political resilience and continued influence in Bihar.
