Nitish Kumar to take oath as Bihar CM for record 10th term as NDA Ministers to be sworn In

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to take oath for a record tenth term as Bihar’s Chief Minister on November 20 at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, marking the beginning of the state’s new NDA government.

The process formally began on Monday when Kumar met Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and recommended the dissolution of the outgoing assembly, effective November 19. The JD(U) leader is scheduled to resign on the same day and submit a letter of support from all constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Kumar will be elected legislature party leader on November 19, a day before the swearing-in ceremony. Sources within the JD(U) confirmed that the programme will also include the oath-taking of other NDA ministers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior NDA leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Dharmendra Pradhan, are expected to attend.

Cabinet Formation and NDA Partners

Hectic negotiations are ongoing among NDA partners over cabinet berths. The new ministry is expected to include five to six fresh faces from the JD(U) and BJP. Umesh Singh Kushwaha, JD(U) state chief and Mahnar seat winner, is likely to be inducted into the cabinet.

Smaller NDA allies, including Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV), Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM-S, and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM, are also expected to be represented. According to JD(U) sources, the LJP (RV) may get three berths, while HAM-S and RLM may receive one each. In total, 16 ministers from BJP and 14 from JD(U), along with Nitish Kumar, are expected to take oath.

The NDA’s overwhelming victory in the recent elections, winning over 200 of 243 assembly seats, ensures a stable government capable of fast-tracking policy decisions and developmental programmes. The decisive mandate strengthens the position of both JD(U) and BJP in Bihar politics while marginalising the opposition.

Opposition Reaction

The opposition, led by the RJD, suffered a crushing defeat, winning only 25 of the 143 seats it contested. Newly elected RJD MLAs met and named Tejashwi Yadav as the legislature party leader. Senior leaders including Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, and Misa Bharti were present. The party has raised concerns over alleged EVM irregularities and may challenge the results in court.

RJD Family Feud

Adding to RJD’s challenges, internal family disputes have surfaced publicly. Rohini Acharya, one of Lalu Prasad’s daughters, alleged attempts to extract “crores of rupees and a party ticket” in exchange for personal favours. Three other daughters Rajlakshmi, Ragini, and Chanda left the family’s Patna residence for Delhi. JD(U) and BJP leaders criticised the discord, saying it reflects poorly on the party’s leadership.

Focus on Governance

The upcoming oath-taking ceremony is more than a formality; it signifies the start of Bihar’s 10th Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, promising stable governance, decisive policy-making, and accelerated developmental initiatives. Analysts suggest the strong mandate and newly formed cabinet could enable faster execution of welfare schemes and infrastructure projects, shaping Bihar’s political and administrative landscape for the next five years.