Patna: Bihar is set to witness a historic political event as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepares to take oath for a record 10th term, following the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) overwhelming triumph in the recent assembly elections. Leaders from the ruling JD(U) have indicated that the ceremony will be a grand affair, matching the scale of the mandate delivered by the electorate.

According to a JD(U) leader, the date of the oath-taking will be determined based on the availability of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to attend the ceremony along with other senior leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi had concluded his campaign in Bihar on November 9, promising to return for the chief minister’s oath ceremony after the NDA secured victory. The unprecedented mandate, which saw the alliance capture 202 of the 243 seats in the state assembly, marks a significant political achievement for both the JD(U) and the BJP.

The election process has reached its concluding stages. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is scheduled to submit the official list of newly-elected assembly members to the governor by Sunday evening. “That is the first step,” the JD(U) leader noted. Following this, the current government will hold its last Cabinet meeting on Monday, after which Nitish Kumar will meet the governor to tender his resignation. This procedure will formally trigger the process for the formation of the new government.

Discussions regarding the distribution of ministries among the NDA partners have reportedly been largely concluded. A senior JD(U) leader confirmed that the Cabinet will feature a combination of seasoned politicians and fresh faces, designed to meet the high expectations set by the electorate. As in previous administrations, the Speaker’s post is expected to go to the BJP.

Consultations on the new government’s composition have been taking place in Delhi, involving Union ministers Sanjay Jha and Lalan Singh from JD(U), and Dharmendra Pradhan and Vinod Tawde from the BJP. Sanjay Jha stated, “Consultations are ongoing. The big mandate brings big responsibility to advance Bihar’s developmental journey with greater speed and on a larger scale. The new government will take shape soon, and before time.”

BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal echoed these sentiments, indicating that preparations for the oath ceremony and the allocation of ministries were moving smoothly. “It is just a matter of days,” he said, reflecting the confidence within the alliance regarding a timely transition.

The political timetable is tightly linked to the conclusion of the current assembly’s term, which ends on November 22. Legislature party meetings of all NDA constituents, followed by a joint meeting, are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to elect the leader of the alliance. Subsequently, Nitish Kumar will stake his claim to form the government through a joint letter of support from the NDA partners.

On the matter of Cabinet berths, a BJP leader noted that the allocation would follow the established formula based on the number of seats won by each partner. Traditionally, the ratio has been approximately one ministerial berth for every six seats won. With the NDA’s resounding victory—securing 202 out of 243 assembly seats—the coalition enjoys a substantial margin to form a robust and stable government. The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) recorded its lowest-ever tally in the state, winning just 25 seats, underscoring the magnitude of the NDA’s electoral success.

Political observers have noted that the scale of the oath ceremony is expected to reflect the party’s confidence and the public mandate. The event is likely to include a formal gathering of top leaders, dignitaries, and representatives from various social and political spheres, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to inclusive governance and development.

The ceremony also carries symbolic significance as it reaffirms Nitish Kumar’s leadership in Bihar’s politics over more than two decades. A leader who has navigated multiple political realignments, Kumar’s record tenth term underscores both his enduring influence and the confidence that the electorate has placed in him. The grandeur of the oath-taking is thus seen as a celebration of both political stability and developmental aspirations for the state.

With preparations underway, the administrative machinery is reportedly coordinating with security and protocol officials to ensure a smooth and safe conduct of the event. State leaders have emphasized the importance of projecting a sense of unity and purpose within the NDA, particularly after the decisive mandate.

In conclusion, Nitish Kumar’s upcoming oath ceremony is poised to be a landmark event in Bihar’s political history, reflecting the scale of the NDA’s overwhelming victory and the confidence reposed in him by the electorate. With meticulous planning for ministerial allocations, protocol arrangements, and participation of top national leaders, the ceremony is expected to set the tone for the next phase of governance, emphasizing stability, development, and strong coalition management.