Nitish Kumar is poised to be inaugurated as Bihar’s Chief Minister for an unprecedented tenth term today at Patna’s renowned Gandhi Maidan. On Tuesday, he was unanimously elected as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance during a gathering of all 202 NDA legislators in the Assembly’s Central Hall. Previously, JD(U) legislators had affirmed him as their party leader. The ceremony is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, and numerous senior NDA officials. The NDA recently achieved a decisive victory in the state elections, securing 202 out of 243 seats. Within the alliance, the BJP obtained 89 seats, JD(U) 85, LJP (RV) 19, HAM 5, and RLM 4.
Approximately 20 ministers, including Nitish Kumar, are set to take the oath today. Sources suggest that the BJP has strongly negotiated with the JD(U) to maintain control of the Assembly Speaker’s position, with senior BJP leader Prem Kumar likely to be appointed. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has arrived in Patna to congratulate Nitish Kumar, commending the mandate granted to his leadership. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi characterized the event as historic, highlighting that no other leader has been sworn in as Chief Minister ten times. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav has been re-elected as the RJD legislature party leader, confirming he will continue as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad has endorsed Tejashwi’s leadership despite the party’s disappointing electoral results. The new government is expected to focus on job creation, investments in food processing, enhancements in education and healthcare, transport development, and expanding youth-oriented initiatives—areas previously emphasized by Prime Minister Modi while encouraging investors to explore opportunities in Bihar. The BJP and JD(U) are anticipated to retain several senior ministers while introducing new members to the cabinet. BJP leaders Mangal Pandey, Nitish Mishra, and Nitin Nabin are expected to remain, while JD(U) may keep Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, and Shravan Kumar.
Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha are also likely to stay in their roles after being re-selected as the party’s legislative leaders. Smaller allies are finalizing their ministerial selections, with RLM expected to appoint Sasaram MLA Snehlata and HAM(S) likely to retain Santosh Kumar Suman, son of Jitan Ram Manjhi. With preparations complete, all attention is on Gandhi Maidan as Nitish Kumar prepares for his historic tenth oath-taking.
