Nitish Kumar is poised to begin a historic tenth term as Chief Minister of Bihar following the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) sweeping victory in the 2025 assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at Gandhi Maidan in Patna—a venue that has hosted several defining political moments in the state’s history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with chief ministers and deputy chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, is expected to attend the event, underscoring Nitish Kumar’s central role within the alliance.

Core Developments Ahead of Swearing-In

Nitish Kumar is likely to be elected as the JD(U) legislature party leader on November 19, one day before the oath-taking ceremony. According to JD(U) sources quoted by PTI, the internal formalities within the party are expected to conclude swiftly, clearing the way for Nitish Kumar to assume office again.

On Monday, Kumar met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan to formally recommend the dissolution of the current legislative assembly, setting the administrative machinery in motion for the formation of the new government. His resignation as the outgoing chief minister is expected on Wednesday, following standard procedure before reorganising the government under the newly elected assembly.

BJP Appoints Observers for Leadership Election

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday appointed Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya as the central observer for electing the leader of the BJP legislative group in Bihar. Union ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti will serve as central co-observers. These appointments will guide the BJP’s internal leadership decisions as the party prepares for its role in the upcoming coalition government.

Preparations Underway at Gandhi Maidan

Preparations at Gandhi Maidan are moving at high speed as workers, organisers and state officials coordinate for the high-profile swearing-in event. The ceremony is expected to draw thousands of attendees, alongside top political leaders from across the country. Security and logistical arrangements are being tightened across Patna in anticipation of the gathering.

Ministry Allocation Discussions in NDA

With the NDA securing a decisive mandate—winning 202 out of 243 seats—the coalition has begun discussions on ministerial allocations to ensure equitable representation among its constituent parties. According to earlier HT reports, the alliance is considering allotting one ministerial post for every six MLAs.

Based on this formula:

• One ministerial post each is likely for the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) [HAM(S)]
• Three ministerial berths may go to the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) or LJP(RV)
• The remaining 30–31 portfolios would be shared between the BJP and JD(U)

A senior BJP leader indicated that adjustments are possible, with potential changes in the number of deputy chief minister positions. Meanwhile, a senior JD(U) leader said that the Speaker’s post in the Bihar assembly is expected to go to the BJP.

Tejashwi Yadav Becomes Leader of Opposition

In the Mahagathbandhan camp, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has been elected the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in the newly constituted assembly. Representing Raghopur, Yadav will serve as LOP for the second time, even as his coalition suffered a significant defeat in the elections.

The RJD, once a dominant force, won just 25 seats—losing its position as the single largest party. Other constituents of the alliance fared poorly as well, with Congress winning 6 seats, CPI(ML)(L) securing 2, and CPI(M) winning 1.

NDA’s Strong Mandate

The NDA’s commanding victory marks a dramatic shift in Bihar’s political landscape:

• BJP: 89 seats — emerging as the single largest party
• JD(U): 85 seats
• LJP(RV): 19 seats
• HAM(S): 5 seats
• RLM: 4 seats

With such a strong mandate, the alliance is expected to form a stable government with significant control over legislative proceedings.

A Historic Milestone for Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar’s imminent swearing-in marks an extraordinary milestone in Indian politics. Serving nine terms already, he stands as one of the longest-serving chief ministers in the country’s history. His tenth oath-taking is symbolic not just of his political longevity, but also of his ability to navigate alliances, rebuild voter trust, and secure his position across shifting political landscapes.

As Bihar prepares for the new government, all eyes will be on the composition of the cabinet, the policy direction of the NDA, and Nitish Kumar’s roadmap for his historic tenth term.