Patna, November 20, 2025 – Nitish Kumar is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record tenth time today. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to commence at 11:30 AM at Patna's historic Gandhi Maidan. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan will administer the oath of office to the 74-year-old leader.
The grand event is expected to be attended by a host of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states. A senior BJP leader has stated that over three lakh people are expected to attend the ceremony.
Preparations at Gandhi Maidan are complete, with heavy security arrangements in place. The Patna police have established a special monitoring team within the control room, overseeing the area via drones. Approximately 128 CCTV cameras have been installed, and over 2,500 security personnel, 250 police officers, and more than 250 magistrates have been deployed. Snipers have been positioned on high-rise buildings surrounding Gandhi Maidan. Traffic restrictions are in effect on routes leading to the venue, and metal detectors have been installed at all entry points.
Nitish Kumar's journey in Bihar politics began with his involvement in the JP Movement in the 1970s. He was first elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1985. He served as Chief Minister for a brief period in 2000. In 2005, he returned to office with a strong mandate and initiated significant reforms. Kumar has been praised for his focus on development, education, and good governance, earning him the title "Sushasan Babu".
On Wednesday, Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA Legislature Party. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were also elected as the leader and deputy leader of the BJP Legislature Party, respectively. It is expected that Choudhary and Sinha will retain their positions as Deputy Chief Ministers in the new government.
Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation as Chief Minister to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday, after which he staked claim to form the new NDA government.
The NDA secured a decisive victory in the recent assembly elections, winning 202 seats in the 243-member assembly. The BJP secured 89 seats, while JD(U) won 85. The LJP(RV) secured 19 seats, HAM 5, and RLM 4.
The new Bihar Cabinet is expected to consist of 16 ministers from the BJP and 14 from JD(U), including the Chief Minister.
Nitish Kumar's political career has spanned over four decades and has been marked by shifting alliances. He has previously collaborated with the RJD and Congress before returning to the NDA.
