Nitish Kumar will return as Bihar chief minister once again, as the NDA prepares for a grand swearing-in ceremony at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan on Thursday. His oath-taking marks a historic moment, making him the only leader in the state to serve ten terms as CM. The event will draw national attention, with senior NDA leaders and thousands of supporters expected to gather at the iconic venue.
Nitish submitted his resignation earlier in the day to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as the current assembly term comes to an end on November 22. Soon after, he staked a claim to form the next NDA government with letters of support from alliance partners. The stage is now set for the formal launch of Bihar’s 18th assembly.
Swearing-In Ceremony Set for 11 AM at Gandhi Maidan
The new NDA government will take oath at 11 am in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, top BJP leadership, and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states. Officials have deployed extensive security across Gandhi Maidan to manage the heavy crowd and VIP movement.
The venue holds deep historical significance. Gandhi Maidan has been the site of many political milestones, from the 1947 Independence Day event to the JP Movement. Nitish Kumar has taken the oath here three times before since 2005, and the ground will now host his landmark 10th oath ceremony.
NDA’s Big Win Sets Stage for a New Government
The NDA won 202 seats in the 243-member assembly, securing a strong majority. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, followed by Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) with 85. Smaller allies like LJP (RV), HAM, and RLM added crucial support.
The strong mandate has strengthened Nitish Kumar’s position within the alliance. It also allows the NDA to shape a new cabinet reflecting both performance and political balance.
Cabinet Discussions Intensify Between BJP and JD(U)
Alliance parties are engaged in intense back-channel talks over cabinet berths. A late-night meeting led by Amit Shah lasted nearly three hours in Delhi, reflecting the complexity of portfolio-sharing discussions.
Sources say both the BJP and the JD(U) want control of key ministries—especially the Home portfolio, traditionally held by JD(U). The Education Ministry is also a point of contention.
Bihar can have a maximum of 36 ministers, including the chief minister. Insiders expect both parties to introduce fresh faces in the cabinet, while retaining influential leaders from the previous government.
Will Bihar Have One Deputy CM or Two?
A major question ahead of the oath ceremony is the number of deputy chief ministers. The previous government had two—Samrat Choudhury and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Both leaders have won their seats again, fueling speculation that the two-deputy model may continue.
During the Mahagathbandhan government, Bihar had only one deputy CM, Tejashwi Yadav. The final call is likely to be announced just before the oath ceremony.
A New Term Begins for Bihar’s Longest-Serving CM
Nitish Kumar’s return for a tenth term highlights his staying power in Bihar politics. His supporters say the win shows trust in his governance. The NDA hopes to use this momentum to push its development agenda for the next five years.
For now, all eyes remain on Gandhi Maidan, where Bihar’s political journey enters another chapter today.
