Bihar Set for a New Political Chapter: Nitish Kumar to Take Oath as Chief Minister for a Historic Tenth Term

Bihar is witnessing yet another major political transition as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) prepares to form the next government after a sweeping victory in the 2025 Assembly elections. Veteran leader Nitish Kumar is set to return as Chief Minister for the tenth time, marking a historic milestone in Indian politics and reaffirming his enduring centrality in Bihar’s political landscape.

Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Bihar during Assembly poll campaign. (Photo: ANI) | India Today

A Resounding Mandate for the NDA

The 2025 election results delivered a decisive mandate. The NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U) and smaller allies, secured 202 out of 243 seats, signaling widespread public confidence in the alliance’s leadership. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the largest constituent of the coalition with 89 seats, closely followed by the JD(U) with 85. Several regional allies, including LJP (Ram Vilas) and HAM, also contributed to this comfortable majority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing supporters, credited the people of Bihar for rejecting the politics of fear and instability. He reiterated that Bihar had permanently moved past the era of “jungle raj” and was embracing a governance model focused on development and stability.

The Transition: Cabinet Dissolution and Government Formation

In preparation for the new administration, Nitish Kumar chaired his final cabinet meeting of the outgoing government. During the meeting, the ministers unanimously authorized him to recommend the dissolution of the current Assembly, clearing the procedural pathway for the NDA to take charge. Following this, Nitish submitted his resignation to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, as is customary before the formation of a new government.

Nitish is expected to meet the Governor again with letters of support from NDA allies, formally staking claim to lead the next government. Most NDA MLAs have already begun arriving in Patna to complete the necessary legislative formalities.

The Grand Oath Ceremony at Gandhi Maidan

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 20, 2025, at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan. The event is expected to be a high-profile affair, with Prime Minister Modi, senior BJP leadership, and prominent national politicians likely to be in attendance.

The historic venue, which has witnessed major political events in the past, provides a fitting backdrop as Nitish Kumar prepares to assume office for a record-setting tenth time.

Cabinet Restructuring and Power Sharing Within the NDA

Behind the scenes, the NDA is finalizing a cabinet-sharing formula designed to accommodate the interests of all coalition partners. According to reports, the BJP is expected to secure around 15–16 ministerial berths, while the JD(U) will claim roughly 14, including the Chief Ministership.

Additionally, the LJP (Ram Vilas) is likely to receive around three portfolios, whereas HAM-S and RLM may each secure one. Discussions have also emerged about the possibility of appointing two Deputy Chief Ministers — one from the BJP and another from the LJP — to strike a balanced distribution of power within the alliance.

Opposition in Turmoil: RJD’s Internal Struggle

While the NDA is consolidating its new government, the main opposition party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is grappling with internal turmoil. Following a disappointing electoral performance, Tejashwi Yadav was re-elected as the leader of the RJD legislative party, positioning him as the Leader of the Opposition.

However, the party’s internal dynamics have been shaken by a very public family dispute. Rohini Acharya, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav, expressed strong displeasure with aspects of the party’s decision-making and openly criticized Tejashwi’s leadership. Her decision to step away from active politics has intensified the pressure on the RJD, forcing Lalu Prasad Yadav to intervene. He described the matter as a family issue and urged party members to remain focused on political responsibilities rather than personal disagreements.

This internal conflict comes at a time when the RJD needs unity the most, as the opposition’s effectiveness in the Assembly will depend heavily on its ability to regroup and rebuild morale.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Expectations

With such a strong mandate, the NDA government faces high expectations from the public. The new administration will need to prioritize economic development, employment generation, infrastructure expansion, and stronger governance mechanisms. Bihar’s youth, in particular, are looking for long-term opportunities and stability.

For Nitish Kumar, the tenth term marks both a legacy moment and a renewed responsibility. His leadership will be scrutinized for how effectively he balances coalition interests while delivering on promises made during the election campaign.

The opposition, meanwhile, must confront its internal divisions and present a credible alternative voice in the Assembly. The RJD’s ability to resolve its family feud and rebuild political strategy will shape Bihar’s political opposition for the next five years.

The MGMM Outlook

Bihar’s political landscape is entering a decisive new phase as Nitish Kumar prepares to take oath for a historic tenth term, reaffirming not just his influence but also the people’s unmistakable endorsement of stability over chaos. The NDA’s sweeping victory, with 202 seats, signals a public rejection of the old narratives of fear and misgovernance. From our viewpoint, this mandate represents Bihar’s collective desire to move forward under a model of governance that prioritizes development, consistency and administrative maturity. The upcoming swearing-in at Gandhi Maidan is more than a ceremonial event—it symbolizes Bihar’s renewed commitment to progress and to leadership that has proven its endurance through decades of political turbulence.

At the same time, the opposition’s internal disarray further strengthens the NDA’s position. The RJD’s family-centred conflict, public criticism, and leadership disputes contrast sharply with the NDA’s unified preparation for government formation. This difference in political culture reflects why voters overwhelmingly preferred a stable alternative. As Nitish Kumar returns with a substantial mandate, expectations are naturally high, especially from Bihar’s youth who seek opportunities, better infrastructure and long-term economic growth. From our perspective, the coming years will test how effectively the NDA transforms this trust into visible progress, but the clarity of Bihar’s mandate shows that the people believe this alliance is best positioned to deliver steady governance and a forward-moving future.

(Sources: India Today, Business Standard, NDTV)