Nitish Kumar is set to be sworn in as Bihar's Chief Minister for a record tenth time today, November 20, 2025. The Janata Dal (United) (JDU) leader was elected to lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after the coalition secured a decisive victory in the recent assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

The NDA alliance, which includes BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV), HAM, and RLM, won a landslide victory with 202 seats in the 243-member House. Nitish Kumar's JDU won 85 constituencies, while the BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats.

Nitish Kumar, born on March 1, 1951, has had a long and varied political career. He has served as Chief Minister of Bihar multiple times, making him the state's longest-serving Chief Minister. He previously held the office from 2005 to 2014 and for a short period in 2000. Kumar has also served as a Union Minister. He first entered politics as a member of the Janata Dal, becoming an MLA in 1985.

With this tenth term, it's worth noting some of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India's history. This list demonstrates decades of political stability, leadership, and governance that have shaped regional politics across states.

Here’s a look at some of India's longest-serving Chief Ministers:

• Pawan Kumar Chamling (Sikkim): Chamling holds the record for the longest tenure as Chief Minister of any state in India, serving from December 12, 1994, to May 26, 2019, which accounts for 24 years and 165 days. He is credited with making Sikkim the first fully organic state in India, as well as improving education and tourism.
• Naveen Patnaik (Odisha): Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha for 24 years and 99 days, from March 5, 2000, to June 12, 2024. His welfare programs and clean governance earned him public trust.
• Jyoti Basu (West Bengal): Basu served as West Bengal's Chief Minister for 23 years and 137 days, from June 21, 1977, to November 5, 2000. He led one of the world's longest-serving communist governments and was known for his political depth and administrative stability.
• Gegong Apang (Arunachal Pradesh): Apang served as Chief Minister for 22 years and 250 days.
• Lal Thanhawla (Mizoram): Thanhawla was Chief Minister for 22 years and 60 days. He played a key role in maintaining peace and stability after the Mizoram insurgency, and his administration focused on social welfare programs, rural development, and road networks.

Other long-serving Chief Ministers include Virbhadra Singh of Himachal Pradesh and Manik Sarkar of Tripura.

Nitish Kumar's upcoming term as Chief Minister is a testament to his political resilience and popularity. Senior BJP leaders are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha are likely to retain their positions as deputy CMs.