Bihar’s political landscape saw a historic moment on November 20, 2025, when Nitish Kumar, often hailed as the “Iron Man” for his resilience and governance reforms, took oath as Chief Minister for a record 10th time. This swearing-in at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan capped the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) landslide victory in the recent Assembly elections, where the coalition secured 202 out of 243 seats. With JD(U) winning 85 seats and BJP clinching 89, the event marked a strong return to power, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other NDA leaders.
Nitish Kumar: A Journey Through Bihar’s Leadership
Nitish Kumar, born on March 1, 1951, has been a dominant figure in Bihar politics since the 1990s, rising from a civil engineer to a key socialist leader. He first became Chief Minister in 2000, leading coalition governments focused on infrastructure, education, and women’s empowerment. Over the years, Kumar has navigated multiple alliances, including breaks and reunions with the BJP and RJD, earning him the nickname for his unyielding commitment to development despite political turbulence.
His latest term builds on past achievements like road connectivity improvements and prohibition policies, which helped transform Bihar from a “BIMARU” state to one with rising GDP growth. At 74, Kumar’s experience as an administrator continues to inspire confidence among supporters, who see him as the architect of Bihar’s modernization.
The Grand Oath Ceremony at Gandhi Maidan
The ceremony began at 11:30 AM, with Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan administering the oath to Nitish Kumar amid tight security and a massive crowd. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Kumar, praising his proven track record in governance, while also extending wishes to the new team for steering Bihar toward new heights. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and chief ministers like Maharashtra’s Devendra Fadnavis and Andhra Pradesh’s N Chandrababu Naidu added star power to the event.
This 10th oath symbolizes stability after the NDA’s emphatic win over the Mahagathbandhan, which managed only 35 seats. The gathering highlighted the coalition’s unity, with Kumar greeting the public as he stepped into yet another leadership role.
Cabinet Formation: Balanced Power Sharing Between Allies
In a nod to coalition harmony, the new Bihar cabinet includes 27 ministers, with nearly equal representation for JD(U) and BJP at 6-7 berths each, plus slots for smaller allies. BJP’s Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers, bringing the total to 18 cabinet ministers and two deputies. Other BJP inductees include Dilip Jaiswal, Mangal Pandey, Arun Shankar Prasad, and Shreyashi Singh, reflecting the party’s strong electoral performance.
JD(U) secured key spots for leaders like Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Shrawan Kumar, and Leshi Singh, ensuring balanced regional representation. Smaller partners like Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) got two berths with Sanjay Kumar and Sanjay Kumar Singh, while Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha each received one, including Deepak Prakash and Santosh Manjhi. This structure, with three women and one Muslim minister, aims to promote inclusivity.
Portfolio Allocations and Governance Priorities
Post-oath, portfolios were swiftly allocated, with Nitish Kumar handing over the crucial Home Ministry to Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary after holding it for two decades—a significant shift signaling BJP’s growing influence. Choudhary retains his deputy role, while other assignments like Finance and Health went to experienced hands from both parties. This distribution, announced on November 21, underscores the NDA’s focus on collaborative decision-making.
The new government’s priorities include accelerating development projects, enhancing education and healthcare, and addressing unemployment through skill programs. With the Assembly session starting November 26 for Speaker elections and member oaths, the cabinet is poised to implement election promises like improved infrastructure and social welfare schemes.
What Lies Ahead for Bihar Under Nitish 10.0
Nitish Kumar’s 10th term arrives at a pivotal time, with Bihar eyeing sustained economic growth and better living standards. The “Iron Man” has pledged continuity in pro-poor initiatives, including women’s reservation in jobs and panchayats, while strengthening ties with the central government for funding. Challenges like flood management and migration remain, but the coalition’s mandate offers a fresh impetus.
As Bihar steps into this new chapter, Kumar’s leadership—marked by pragmatism and reform—could further solidify the state’s progress. The diverse cabinet reflects a commitment to all sections of society, setting the stage for inclusive governance.
