Bihar is preparing for a significant political moment today as Janata Dal (United) leader and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) figure Nitish Kumar gets ready to take oath as Chief Minister for the tenth time. The ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 AM at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, where large-scale security arrangements have already been put in place.
Ceremony at Gandhi Maidan
Gandhi Maidan, known for hosting many major political events in Bihar, will once again be the venue for the state’s government formation. Nitish Kumar, now 74, has taken oath at this location three times before, and today’s ceremony marks his fourth swearing-in at the historic ground.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several top NDA leaders are expected to attend. BJP officials estimate that around three lakh people may gather for the event. More than 2,500 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the ceremony takes place smoothly and safely.
Nearly Two Decades of Leadership
Nitish Kumar’s time as Chief Minister spans almost twenty years. He first assumed the role in 2000, though his initial term lasted only seven days. He returned to power in 2005 after the NDA secured a clear majority, and again in 2010 after winning another state election.
Following a setback in 2014, he stepped down and named Jitan Ram Manjhi as Chief Minister. But ahead of the 2015 elections, he returned to the post and later took oath after both the 2015 and 2020 elections—once as the head of the Mahagathbandhan and once again under the NDA.
Between 2017 and 2024, Nitish Kumar shifted alliances several times, moving between the NDA and the RJD-led coalition. Each political turn brought another oath ceremony, adding to his record number of swearing-ins.
Approaching a Historic Milestone
As reported by Hindustan Times, Nitish Kumar has already served more than 7,000 days—nearly 19 years—as Chief Minister. He currently stands eighth among India’s longest-serving state leaders.
Completing his upcoming five-year term would place him third on that list, behind former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Nitish Kumar has also worked with 14 different Governors during his tenure, ranking him third nationally in that category.
After securing a two-thirds majority in the latest assembly elections, he resigned on Wednesday before formally staking claim to form a new NDA government. He met Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and presented his proposal, paving the way for today’s ceremony. As he begins yet another chapter in his long political journey, Bihar enters a new phase shaped by experience, shifting alliances, and enduring leadership.
