Patna: In a decisive move following the NDA’s sweeping victory in Bihar, senior leader Nitish Kumar has been named the leader of the NDA legislative party, setting the stage for his historic 10th term as the state’s Chief Minister. Kumar is scheduled to take the oath of office at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan on Thursday, marking another chapter in his long political career.

The 75-year-old leader will formally meet Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday evening to stake his claim to form the next government, presenting a letter of support from all NDA constituent parties. The swearing-in ceremony will coincide with the formal dissolution of the outgoing assembly, scheduled for Wednesday.

Strong Mandate for NDA

The NDA returned to power in Bihar with a commanding mandate, winning 202 of the state’s 243 assembly seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the largest single party with 89 seats, followed closely by Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] with 85 seats. Other NDA allies, including the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)], Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Manch (RLM), secured 19, 5, and 4 seats respectively, solidifying the alliance’s overwhelming majority.

The scale of victory reflects strong public approval for the NDA coalition’s governance model, and Nitish Kumar’s leadership and welfare-oriented agenda have been cited as key factors in shaping voter sentiment.

Welfare Initiatives Ahead of Polls

Leading up to the elections, Nitish Kumar’s administration introduced a series of welfare measures aimed at strengthening the socio-economic fabric of Bihar. The government announced increased social security pensions and raised stipends for frontline workers, including Jeevika, ASHA, and Anganwadi staff.

A flagship scheme, the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, directly benefited over one crore women across the state, providing each with ₹10,000. These initiatives, alongside broader development and infrastructure programs, were credited with influencing the electorate and consolidating support for the NDA in key constituencies.

Political Significance of the 10th Term

Kumar’s 10th term as Chief Minister underscores his enduring political presence and experience in navigating Bihar’s complex political landscape. Analysts note that his leadership represents continuity and stability, which has been a central theme in the NDA’s campaign messaging. The seamless coalition between JD(U) and BJP, reinforced by smaller allies, reflects a strategic consolidation of the NDA’s position in Bihar for the coming five years.

The forthcoming swearing-in ceremony at Gandhi Maidan is expected to be a grand event, reflecting both the historical significance of Kumar’s long tenure and the mandate bestowed by the electorate. The event will also serve as a symbolic affirmation of the NDA’s commitment to governance and welfare-oriented policies.

Looking Ahead: Governance Priorities

As Kumar assumes office, the government is expected to continue focusing on social welfare, women’s empowerment, infrastructure development, and initiatives that promote inclusive growth. His administration will likely prioritize effective implementation of ongoing schemes while introducing new measures to address emerging challenges in education, healthcare, and rural development.

With a strong mandate and a cohesive alliance, Nitish Kumar’s 10th term as Chief Minister positions Bihar for continuity in leadership, policy stability, and renewed focus on developmental priorities. The coming days will set the tone for the new government’s agenda and its approach to governance in the state.