In a landmark political event, Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th term. The ceremony, held at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, drew top national leaders and marked a decisive victory for the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) in the recent state elections.
What Happened: The Swearing-In Ceremony
- Nitish Kumar took the oath of office at Gandhi Maidan, administered by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. India Today+2The Indian Express+2
- The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior NDA leaders, showcasing strong national support. Hindustan Times+2India Today+2
- Alongside Nitish, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. Hindustan Times+1
- A total of 26 ministers joined the new government, representing a mix of JD(U), BJP, and allied parties. India Today+1
Why This Is Significant
- Historic Milestone
- This is Nitish Kumar’s 10th term as CM, making him one of the longest-serving state leaders in India. The Indian Express+1
- At 74 years old, he continues to hold political relevance and influence in Bihar. Arunachal Times
- NDA Landslide Victory
- The NDA secured 202 out of 243 seats, underlining its dominance in the state assembly elections. India Today
- This strong majority has given the NDA a stable mandate to govern and implement its agenda.
- Strategic Alliance and Governance Focus
- The presence of key NDA leaders highlighted the importance of Bihar in the national political strategy.
- Nitish’s political journey — known for his pragmatic alliances — remains rooted in a “governance-first” narrative, earning him the nickname “Sushasan Babu.” The Economic Times
- Symbolic Importance
- Swearing-in at Gandhi Maidan, a politically and historically significant location, added symbolic value to the ceremony. The Indian Express
- The event also underlines Bihar’s role in national politics, especially for the NDA coalition.
The Road Ahead: What to Watch
- Cabinet Priorities: With 26 ministers in tow, the new government will need to quickly prioritize key issues like infrastructure, education, and rural development.
- Policy Implementation: How Nitish balances his traditional governance style with the NDA’s broader national development goals will be closely watched.
- Inter-State Cooperation: Leaders from other states (like Uttar Pradesh) attended the oath ceremony, hinting at possible greater coordination between state governments.
- Opposition Response: The scale of NDA’s win may prompt internal reflection and strategic recalibration among opposition parties in Bihar.
