Patna: Veteran politician Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th term on Thursday in a grand ceremony at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. The event, held under tight security, began at 11.30 am and saw the presence of top national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Several NDA chief ministers, such as Andhra Pradesh’s N Chandrababu Naidu and Odisha’s Mohan Charan Majhi, also attended the oath-taking.
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Kumar, a day after he formally staked claim to form the new NDA government following the assembly election results. The JD(U) chief led the alliance to a decisive victory in the 243-member Bihar assembly, where the NDA secured 202 seats. The JD(U) won 85 seats, the BJP 89, and the remaining were shared among smaller allies, including the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
During the ceremony, Kumar was joined on stage by senior NDA lawmakers and party leaders, marking the beginning of his latest term in office. With this record 10th term, he becomes one of the longest-serving chief ministers in India, reinforcing his enduring influence and political stature in the state.
The assembly elections had reflected strong support for the NDA, highlighting Kumar’s leadership and the alliance’s appeal among voters. As Bihar prepares for the next five years under his leadership, expectations are high for governance, development initiatives, and addressing key state issues. Analysts suggest that Kumar’s experience and political acumen will play a critical role in shaping the state’s policies and navigating its socio-economic challenges in the coming term.
This historic swearing-in underscores Kumar’s long-standing presence in Indian politics and his ability to maintain political relevance over decades, setting a benchmark for leadership continuity in the country.
