Nitish Kumar Sworn in as Bihar CM for 10th Time: A Historic Mandate and a New Political Chapter
Nitish Kumar becomes Bihar Chief Minister for the 10th time, leading a renewed NDA government after a decisive mandate. What this means for the state’s future.
Introduction: A Decade-Defining Oath in Patna
On a crisp November morning in Patna, before an audience packed with party leaders, loyalists, and national dignitaries, Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for an unprecedented tenth time. The sprawling ceremony—attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah—was as symbolic as it was historic. It marked not just the return of the NDA to power but the reaffirmation of Kumar’s singular political longevity in a state known for volatile alliances and shifting mandates.
Context & Background: A Veteran Leader in a Changing Bihar
Nitish Kumar’s journey to this moment spans five turbulent decades, marked by ideological shifts, coalition realignments, and administrative milestones.
Born on March 1, 1951, in Bakhtiyarpur near Patna, Kumar grew up in a family rooted in political activism—his father was a freedom fighter and Ayurvedic practitioner. His entry into politics began during his engineering college days at Bihar Engineering College (now NIT Patna), where he became active in the JP Movement of the 1970s. That movement would shape his early political partnerships with figures like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sushil Kumar Modi.
His first electoral breakthrough came in 1985, when he won the Harnaut Assembly seat. By the early 1990s, amid the Mandal Commission wave, he joined hands with George Fernandes to form the Samata Party, which later evolved into the JD(U) and aligned with the BJP at the national level.
Kumar’s first stint as Chief Minister in 2000 lasted only a few days due to lack of support, but by 2005 he returned with a strong mandate—and quickly built an image as a governance-focused leader. His policies around roads, policing reforms, welfare schemes, bicycles for schoolgirls, and strengthened education earned him admiration both in Bihar and beyond.
Through the next two decades, he oscillated between alliances—sometimes with the NDA, sometimes with the RJD-led Grand Alliance—but emerged repeatedly as the leader with the numbers, the administrative experience, and the political flexibility to hold Bihar’s top position.
With his tenth swearing-in, Kumar joins the ranks of India’s longest-serving Chief Ministers, having spent 19 years in office.
Main Developments: A Decisive Mandate and a Rebuilt Government
The latest chapter of Nitish Kumar’s political story began on November 20 in Patna, where he was administered the oath of office by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. A 26-member cabinet, representing the National Democratic Alliance’s new line-up, also took the oath.
A Powerful NDA Homecoming
The NDA returned to power with 202 seats in the 243-member Assembly—an overwhelming mandate that reshaped Bihar’s political landscape.
Seat Breakdown:
- BJP: 89
- JD(U): 85
- LJP (Ram Vilas): 19
- HAM (Secular): 5
- Rashtriya Lok Morcha: 4
- Opposition total: 35 seats
Just a day earlier, NDA legislators had unanimously chosen Nitish Kumar as the leader of the legislative party, with vocal backing from BJP leaders including Deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha.
Policy Continuity with New Ambition
Kumar’s renewed tenure arrives on the back of a governance pitch emphasizing:
- strengthened rural connectivity
- improved school attendance
- policing reforms
- targeted welfare schemes
One of the most recent initiatives includes transferring ₹10,000 each to 1.3 crore women, along with a plan to provide up to ₹2 lakh to women presenting viable business proposals—an economic empowerment model that could reshape household livelihoods.
Expert Insight and Public Reactions: Stability, Experience, and Expectations
Political analysts say Kumar’s tenth swearing-in reflects a combination of public trust, administrative continuity, and NDA’s expansion in the state.
“Few leaders understand Bihar’s governance ecosystem like Nitish Kumar,” said a Patna-based political analyst. “His ability to navigate alliances while maintaining a governance-first image has kept him central to the state’s political calculus.”
Public sentiment across Patna following the ceremony revealed a mix of optimism and scrutiny.
For many, especially women beneficiaries of recent welfare schemes, Kumar’s return signals stability. For others, the expectation is clear: accelerated development, better job opportunities, and improved law and order.
Impact & Implications: What Bihar Can Expect Next
With a renewed mandate and strong NDA backing, the new government faces a combination of opportunities and challenges.
1. Economic and Welfare Expansion
Women-centric welfare schemes may expand further, strengthening Kumar’s base among beneficiaries. Experts anticipate a push toward rural entrepreneurship and livelihood creation.
2. Governance Stability
After years of alliance-switching, the NDA is projecting a long-term partnership aimed at reducing political churn. Stability could unlock sustained reforms in policing, education, and healthcare.
3. Youth and Employment Focus
With one of India’s youngest populations, Bihar’s job creation challenge remains urgent. The NDA’s decisive mandate places direct pressure on the government to deliver tangible economic improvements.
4. National Political Implications
Nitish Kumar’s renewed tenure also carries significance for the BJP-JD(U) relationship, especially as national elections shape broader coalition dynamics.
Conclusion: A Leader Shaped by Bihar, and a Bihar Shaped by Him
Nitish Kumar’s tenth oath as Chief Minister is more than a political milestone—it is the story of a leader whose career has evolved alongside the state he governs. Bihar’s electorate has delivered a clear mandate for stability, continuity, and development-focused leadership.
As the new government settles in, the expectations are immense. The coming years will test whether Kumar can translate political experience into progress across sectors that matter most to Biharis: education, jobs, infrastructure, and security.
For a leader who has survived political storms, engineered alliances, and shaped Bihar’s modern political identity, the tenth term may well define his legacy.
Disclaimer :This article is created for informational and journalistic purposes based solely on the provided headline and bullet-point details. It does not represent any political endorsement.