Nitish Kumar sworn marking his 10th term as CM
Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Shravan Kumar and other NDA leaders were sworn in today as Ministers in the Bihar Cabinet.
Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar on Thursday, November 20, 2025, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record-setting 10th time, reaffirming his place as one of India’s longest-serving political leaders. The ceremony, held at Raj Bhavan in Patna, was attended by a powerful lineup of national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President J.P. Nadda, senior NDA figures, and top state leaders who gathered to witness yet another landmark moment in Bihar’s political history.
The oath of office was administered by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who welcomed Nitish Kumar to the stage as supporters applauded the beginning of what promises to be another consequential chapter of governance in the state. Despite the shifting political tides in the past two decades, Nitish Kumar has managed to remain at the centre of Bihar’s political landscape, navigating alliances and electoral cycles with remarkable consistency.
A Cabinet Takes Shape
Moments after Nitish Kumar took oath, senior BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were sworn in as Cabinet Ministers, formalizing the renewed JD(U)-BJP partnership in Bihar. Their elevation signals the BJP’s strong presence in the new Cabinet and reflects the party’s strategic role in shaping the next phase of governance.
Several other prominent leaders from both the JD(U) and BJP followed, taking their oaths one after another. The list included JD(U)’s Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, and Shravan Kumar—all seasoned ministers known for their long association with Nitish Kumar and their administrative experience across multiple departments.
From the BJP, leaders such as Mangal Pandey, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, and Nitin Nabin also joined the Cabinet, each bringing political weight, organisational experience, and regional influence that will contribute to shaping policy and decision-making in the coming years.
Together, the new Council of Ministers represents a blend of continuity and strategic political balancing—an arrangement that has often defined coalition politics in Bihar.
A Familiar Mandate, A New Beginning
Nitish Kumar’s return to the Chief Minister’s office—yet again—has drawn both admiration and scrutiny. For supporters, it is a testament to his administrative experience and ability to lead the state through complex political climates. For critics, it raises familiar questions about Bihar’s political stability and the repeated reshuffling of alliances.
Before the swearing-in, Nitish Kumar was formally elected as the leader of the JD(U) Legislature Party during a meeting held at his official residence in Patna. Newly elected MLAs unanimously extended their support, clearing the way for him to stake claim to form the government with the backing of the NDA.
A Ceremony Marked by Presence of National Leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence was a notable highlight of the ceremony. After Nitish took oath, the Prime Minister congratulated him and the new Cabinet, signaling strong central support for the state’s political leadership. Union Ministers Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda also interacted with party leaders and MLAs, reinforcing the NDA’s united front in Bihar.
Their attendance underscored the political importance of Bihar in national strategy—its electoral weight, social complexity, and long-term alliance dynamics.
Nitish Kumar’s Legacy Continues
For Nitish Kumar, this swearing-in marks not just a political milestone but also a personal landmark. First sworn in as Chief Minister in 2000—briefly—and then again in 2005, he has since become a defining figure in Bihar’s development narrative. His tenure has seen major policy shifts in infrastructure, education, roads, electrification, and governance reforms.
While challenges remain—ranging from unemployment to rural development, health infrastructure, law and order, and migration—Nitish Kumar enters his 10th term with the experience of nearly two decades in office and the backing of an NDA alliance determined to demonstrate stability.
The Road Ahead
As the new cabinet settles in, the focus now shifts to governance priorities, ministry allocations, and the policy roadmap the NDA will present for the next five years. Bihar’s political watchers, national leaders, and citizens alike will keep a close eye on how Nitish Kumar and his coalition navigate the expectations and responsibilities ahead.
For now, the day belonged to a leader who has once again taken oath—for the tenth time—to lead Bihar.