Image Source wikimedia
PATNA: In a grand spectacle of political longevity, Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar is set to take the oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for an unprecedented tenth time today, Thursday, November 20, 2025. The historic swearing-in ceremony at Patna’s sprawling Gandhi Maidan will not merely mark the formation of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, but will serve as a powerful public affirmation of Mr. Kumar’s enduring, and often bewildering, centrality to the state’s political narrative.
The massive public venue, which hosted his inauguration in his ‘good governance’ debut in 2005, is being transformed into a high-security citadel for a show of collective strength by the NDA. The attendance is expected to be a roster of national significance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the list of dignitaries. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and a host of Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states are also scheduled to be present.
The ‘Sushasan’ Stalwart
For a state where political fortunes are often fleeting, Nitish Kumar’s tenth trip to the Raj Bhavan’s swearing-in dais solidifies his status as Bihar’s quintessential political survivor—or its ’10Dulkar’, as some have quipped.
This term comes after an election where his JD(U) dramatically boosted its seat tally, nearly doubling its strength to 85 seats, contributing significantly to the NDA’s landslide victory with a total of 202 seats in the 243-member Assembly. His return to the large-scale public swearing-in at Gandhi Maidan—a venue he opted out of in recent terms in favour of the Raj Bhavan’s smaller precinct—is a symbolic reflection of his bolstered political strength and the alliance’s renewed confidence in his leadership after the decisive mandate.
“The return to Gandhi Maidan is not just logistical; it is a clear political message. It says, ‘The mandate is decisive, and the Sushasan Babu is firmly in charge.'”
Cabinet Balancing Act
Behind the grand public ceremony, the intricate political negotiations have been finalised. The new council of ministers, expected to be sworn in alongside the Chief Minister, will be a carefully calibrated exercise in regional and caste balance among the five NDA partners: JD(U), BJP, LJP (RV), HAM(S), and RLM.
- Deputy CMs: BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha are likely to be retained as Deputy Chief Ministers, reinforcing the BJP’s backward-upper caste combination for its top two positions.
- Portfolio Distribution: While key ministerial posts, including the critical Home department, have been subject to intense deliberation, the formula for sharing cabinet berths among the smaller allies has reportedly been sealed: LJP (RV) is likely to get three berths, while HAM and RLM will receive one each.
The administration has made elaborate arrangements for the event, including three separate stages—one for the oaths, one for VVIP dignitaries like the Prime Minister, and a third for cultural programmes. With dedicated seating zones for women attendees, the event aims to acknowledge the crucial role of female voters in the NDA’s victory.
As Nitish Kumar begins his historic tenth innings, all eyes will be on the renewed dynamism of the coalition, as the NDA government prepares to deliver on the promises made during the election that returned them to power with an emphatic majority.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like The Times of India, Hindustan Times, PTI reports, etc.) transparently.]
