Bihar is once again witnessing a moment that has now become both politically symbolic and historically significant: Nitish Kumar taking oath as chief minister. In 2025, Kumar has been sworn in for a record 10th time, solidifying his place not just as Bihar’s longest-serving head of government, but also as one of India’s longest-standing political survivors. His unmatched ability to navigate shifting alliances, rebuild coalitions, and reinvent his political identity while retaining the reins of power has made him central to Bihar’s political ecosystem for two decades.

As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept the 2025 assembly elections with a commanding majority, Kumar’s leadership was once again reaffirmed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J.P. Nadda, and chief ministers of several NDA-ruled states attended the grand swearing-in ceremony at Patna's iconic Gandhi Maidan, an event that showcased the coalition’s confidence and cohesion.

The Early Journey of Nitish Kumar: From Janata Dal Cadre to Political Strategist

Nitish Kumar’s political roots trace back to 1985 when he won an assembly election on a Janata Dal ticket. His early association with Lalu Prasad Yadav—then a rising force in Bihar politics—was marked by camaraderie and shared ideology. However, the alliance ruptured as Yadav grew more dominant within the party.

The turning point came in 1994, when Kumar, alongside George Fernandes, led a rebellion against Lalu Prasad Yadav. Fourteen MPs split to form Janata Dal (George), a party largely engineered by Kumar. His prominence grew as he calibrated his politics with the national mood. In 1996, he made his first major ideological switch by aligning with the BJP. Between 1998 and 2004, he held significant ministerial portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government, cementing his national stature.

Nitish Kumar and the Bihar Throne: Ten Attempts, One Political Constant

1. First Oath (2000): A Short-Lived Beginning

In 2000, backed by the NDA, Kumar first became the chief minister. But with no stable majority, his government lasted merely seven days.

2. The 2005 Comeback: Ending Lalu’s 15-Year Rule

Kumar returned with a decisive mandate in 2005, winning 88 seats and ending RJD’s prolonged governance. His development-driven governance model quickly gained traction.

3. The 2010 Landslide

By 2010, Kumar’s popularity soared. The JD(U) alone won 115 seats, solidifying his unchallenged leadership.

4. Breaking Away from BJP in 2013

In a dramatic move, Kumar ended his alliance with the BJP after Narendra Modi was named the NDA’s PM candidate. The decision shook Bihar politics and destabilized the governing coalition.

5. The 2015 Grand Alliance Victory

Displaying tactical brilliance, Kumar joined hands with Lalu Yadav’s RJD in 2015 to form the Mahagathbandhan, countering the nationwide BJP wave. Though RJD emerged as the single largest party, Kumar retained the CM’s chair.

6. Return to BJP in 2017

In 2017, he stunned the political establishment again—walking out of the Mahagathbandhan and returning to the NDA. Despite criticism, Kumar ensured the top post remained his.

7. The 2020 Snap Victory

The NDA narrowly won in 2020. Even as JD(U)’s seat tally fell below 50, Kumar reclaimed the chief ministership.

8. The 2022 Flip Back to Mahagathbandhan

Accusing the BJP of attempting to engineer a split within JD(U), Kumar broke away once more and joined the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. He was sworn in again as chief minister.

9. The 2024-25 Return to NDA

With the Lok Sabha elections approaching and another BJP wave building, Kumar rejoined the NDA. He was sworn in for the ninth time and led the coalition into the 2025 assembly elections.

10. The 2025 Mandate: Nitish Kumar 10.0

With the NDA securing 202 out of 243 seats—BJP 89, JD(U) 85, LJP (RV) 19, HAM 5, and RLM 4—Kumar has now been sworn in for a record 10th term, extending his political reign beyond 19 years.

The Grand Swearing-In Ceremony: NDA’s Display of Power

The 10th swearing-in ceremony was a mega event designed to reflect both the mandate and the muscle of the NDA. Held at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, the venue witnessed unprecedented arrangements:

• Over three lakh attendees were expected.

• Multiple VIP pandals were set up.

• Massive security arrangements enveloped the area.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath to Nitish Kumar and the new cabinet ministers, marking the beginning of a fresh political inning for the NDA coalition in Bihar.

The New NDA Leadership Structure: Deputy CMs and Key Ministers

Along with Nitish Kumar, the ceremony included the swearing-in of:

• Samrat Choudhary (BJP) – Deputy Chief Minister

• Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP) – Deputy Chief Minister

The ceremony also saw the induction of several JD(U), BJP, RLJP, HAM, and RLM legislators into the cabinet.

Ministers Who Took Oath

JD(U):

• Vijay Kumar Chaudhary

• Vijendra Kumar Yadav

• Shravan Kumar

• Leshi Singh

• Ashok Chaudhary

• Madan Sahni

• Sunil Kumar

• Mohammad Zama Khan

• Umesh Singh Kushwaha

• Jayant Raj and others

BJP:

• Mangal Pandey

• Dilip Kumar Jaiswal

• Nitin Nabin

• Ram Kripal Yadav

• Surendra Mehta

• Arun Shankar Prasad

• Narayan Prasad

• Shreyashi Singh

• Sanjay Singh Tiger

• Hari Sahni

• Multiple others

Allies:

• Santosh Kumar Suman (HAM)

• Deepak Prakash (RLM)

• Representatives from LJP (RV)

Sources indicate:

• BJP will get 15–16 cabinet berths

• JD(U) will get 14 berths, including the CM

• LJP(RV) is likely to receive 3 seats

• HAM-S and RLM will get 1 berth each

A consensus has reportedly been reached to appoint BJP’s Prem Kumar as the new Assembly Speaker, while the Deputy Speaker post will likely go to JD(U).

New Faces and Expected Cabinet Expansion

To reflect the NDA’s expanded mandate, several new leaders are likely to join the government:

Probable New JD(U) Ministers

• Rahul Kumar Singh

• Sudhanshu Shekhar

• Kaladhar Prasad Mandal

• Panna Lal Singh Patel

Probable New BJP Ministers

• Anand Mishra (former IPS officer from Buxar)

• Rana Randhir

• Gayatri Devi

• Vijay Kumar Khemka

A JD(U) leader said, “Our MLA count has risen significantly since 2020. We expect increased representation in the new cabinet.”

The NDA’s Vision for Bihar: What the New Government Promised

As Nitish Kumar begins his 10th term, the spotlight turns to the NDA’s massive pre-poll promises—many of which are ambitious and transformative.

1. One Crore Jobs in Five Years

The NDA’s headline promise, focused on retaining Bihar’s talent and reducing migration.

2. One Crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’

Building on Kumar’s strong female voter base, the government aims to create one crore financially empowered women entrepreneurs.

3. Mega Skill Centres in Every District

Designed to boost employability of Bihar’s youth.

4. ₹5,000 Crore Education Overhaul

A push to address chronic gaps in Bihar’s education infrastructure.

5. Expressways and Rail Expansion

Seven new expressways and 3,600 km of new railway tracks.

6. Metro Rail in Four Cities

A long-awaited urban mobility overhaul, promising metro connectivity in four key urban centers.

7. Medicity and Medical Colleges

The NDA envisions a world-class “Medicity” and a medical college in every district.

As Kumar begins his 10th term, expectations are high—not just because of political longevity, but because the promises reflect a transformational roadmap for Bihar’s development.

Prashant Kishor’s Reflection: A Missed Chance and Future Aspirations

Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj founder and former political strategist Prashant Kishor admitted that not contesting the Bihar polls was a “mistake.” His party secured less than 4% of the vote, falling short of expected numbers. However, Kishor vowed not to back down, stating, “I will not quit without winning Bihar. I don’t know how long it will take, but I will continue.”

Nitish Kumar’s Political Saga Continues

Nitish Kumar’s 10th oath is not merely a ceremonial milestone—it is the continuation of a political saga marked by agility, strategic maneuvering, and a remarkable hold over Bihar’s governance. As he begins yet another term, the state watches closely, hoping that this record-setting mandate translates into transformative development, improved infrastructure, and expanded opportunities for its youth.

With the NDA displaying unprecedented unity and power, the coming years will determine whether Bihar moves into a new era of growth—or continues to navigate the complexities of coalition politics under its most seasoned leader.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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