On November 20, 2025, Bihar’s political landscape witnessed a historic moment as Nitish Kumar took the oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the tenth time. The grand ceremony took place at the iconic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political history. With the support of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Nitish Kumar’s leadership has once again been entrusted by the people of Bihar. This comes after a decisive victory in the 2025 state elections, where NDA secured 202 out of 243 seats, leaving the opposition Mahagathbandhan reeling. Alongside Nitish Kumar, the newly elected Deputy Chief Ministers, Samrat Chowdhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, also took their oaths, marking the formation of the new government.

Key Political Leaders Attend the Ceremony

In a show of strength and solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states attended the swearing-in ceremony. Their presence underscored the importance of this event not only for Bihar but also for the political future of the NDA. The historic occasion was a moment of celebration and optimism, as the new government prepared to take charge and fulfill its promises to the people.

Pre-Swearing-In Developments

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Nitish Kumar resigned from his position as the Chief Minister, clearing the way for the formation of a new cabinet. Sources indicated that the NDA had been deliberating on some surprise elements, considering a mix of youthful energy and experienced leadership in the new cabinet. This balanced approach was expected to be reflected in the leadership appointments within the cabinet.

The focus now shifted to the finalization of the cabinet, with the legislature meetings of both the JDU and BJP likely to seal the positions of Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Speaker. As the state awaited the swearing-in ceremony at 11 AM, political discussions and speculations around the cabinet’s composition dominated the headlines.

Key Moments from the Ceremony

• 10:57 AM: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who attended the ceremony, congratulated Nitish Kumar and highlighted the role of Nitish’s extensive experience and the efforts of the “double engine” government in Bihar’s progress. He conveyed his best wishes to the newly sworn-in ministers and expressed confidence in their ability to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bihar.

• 10:48 AM: Nitish Kumar, having arrived at Gandhi Maidan, was ready to take the oath for the tenth time. Alongside him, Samrat Chowdhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha took the oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. Prime Minister Modi, along with other top leaders, also reached Patna to witness this historic event.

• 10:29 AM: Central Minister Anupriya Patel congratulated Nitish Kumar for becoming the Chief Minister for the tenth time. She emphasized that this victory reflected the trust the people of Bihar had in the NDA and assured that the new government would work toward stability and development in the state.

Public Excitement and Security Measures

The excitement among the people was palpable as large crowds gathered at Gandhi Maidan early in the morning. Due to heightened security arrangements, vehicles were stopped nearly two kilometers away from the ceremony venue. As a result, many people walked on foot to reach the Maidan. The enthusiasm was evident, as crowds eagerly awaited the moment when their leaders would take the oath of office.

The security around the event was tight, with over 4,000 police officers deployed for crowd control and protection of VIPs. Special arrangements were made for the arrival of VIPs, including Prime Minister Modi, who arrived via helicopter, with designated routes for his convoy to avoid congestion.

Cabinet Appointments and Speculations

As the new government took shape, speculations about the cabinet appointments continued to dominate discussions. The NDA was set to include several new faces in the cabinet, with 14 ministers from the JDU and 16 from the BJP expected to take their oaths. BJP’s new appointees include prominent names like Samrat Chowdhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with several fresh faces, indicating the party’s shift towards a more dynamic leadership.

The JDU, under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, was expected to include key figures like Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Bizendra Prasad Yadav, and Shrawan Kumar, among others. In addition, new faces from both JDU and BJP were being considered for positions in the cabinet to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the governance structure.

Opposition’s Response and Political Dynamics

While Nitish Kumar and the NDA celebrated their victory, the opposition struggled to recover from their defeat. Prashant Kishor, who had previously founded the Jan Suraj Party, emerged as a prominent voice of opposition in the state. Kishor, who had not contested the recent elections, acknowledged his party’s failure to secure significant support and emphasized that he would continue to hold the NDA accountable for its election promises.

On the other hand, leaders from the Mahagathbandhan, such as Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, were conspicuously absent from public activities, further highlighting the opposition’s lack of cohesion.

BJP’s Strategy and New Faces

The BJP’s strategy seemed to focus on bringing new energy to the cabinet, with a particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation. Shreyasi Singh and Rama Nishad, both well-known figures with national recognition, were expected to join the cabinet, along with others like Sanjay Tiger. The inclusion of these new faces was seen as part of the party’s broader strategy to build a more dynamic and representative team.

Post-Swearing-In Plans and Future Strategy

After taking the oath, Nitish Kumar addressed the gathering and emphasized the responsibility the people of Bihar had entrusted to him and his government. He assured that the new government would focus on fulfilling the aspirations of the people and accelerating the pace of development in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar also indicated that the cabinet would initially remain small, with a plan to expand it after January 14, 2026. He promised that new faces would be inducted to ensure a broader representation. The focus would be on monitoring development projects at the grassroots level, ensuring that the promises made during the election campaign would be delivered.

The swearing-in ceremony on November 20, 2025, marked a historic day for Bihar, as Nitish Kumar took his oath as Chief Minister for the tenth time. With the support of the NDA, the new government was set to focus on development, stability, and fulfilling the promises made during the election. As Bihar embarks on a new chapter of governance, all eyes are now on the newly formed cabinet and its ability to deliver the aspirations of the people.