Nitish Kumar has once again taken the helm of Bihar as Chief Minister, marking a historic tenth term in office. With this swearing-in, he has further strengthened his position as one of the longest-serving leaders in the state’s contemporary political landscape. The event, held at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, signaled a renewed alliance between Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party, an arrangement that has now taken shape for a record fifth consecutive term under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The ceremony also set the stage for a new political chapter in Bihar, one defined by a blend of experience, representation, and ongoing political maneuvering.

This latest oath-taking comes just ahead of the expiration of the 17th Bihar Legislative Assembly’s term on November 22, providing the new administration with immediate logistical and governance responsibilities. Nitish Kumar, who has earned the moniker of “sushasan babu” for his emphasis on governance reforms, infrastructural growth, and corruption control over the years, now faces the challenge of tackling anti-incumbency sentiment while maintaining his political legacy. His resilient electoral strategy and the calibrated balancing act with allied parties have allowed him to retain power despite shifts in political mood and leadership dynamics.

Two prominent BJP leaders, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers, consolidating the BJP’s strong presence in the executive setup. The cabinet sworn in consists of 26 NDA ministers other than the Chief Minister, leaving nine positions vacant to accommodate further political and coalition necessities at a later stage. The full Council of Ministers can reach up to 36 members, allowing room for future expansion and bargaining power as the government settles into stable functioning.

The newly formed cabinet includes the following ministers:

1. Samrat Choudhary (BJP)
2. Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP)
3. Vijay Kumar Choudhary (JD-U)
4. Bijendra Prasad Yadav (JD-U)
5. Shravan Kumar (JD-U)
6. Mangal Pandey (BJP)
7. Dilip Kumar Jaiswal (BJP)
8. Ashok Choudhary (JD-U)
9. Lesi Singh (JD-U)
10. Madan Sahani (JD-U)
11. Nitin Nabin (BJP)
12. Ram Kripal Yadav (BJP)
13. Santosh Kumar Suman (HAM-S)
14. Sunil Kumar (JD-U)
15. Mohammad Zama Khan (JD-U)
16. Sanjay Singh Tiger (BJP)
17. Arun Shankar Prasad (BJP)
18. Surendra Mehta (BJP)
19. Narayan Prasad (BJP)
20. Rama Nishad (BJP)
21. Lakhendra Kumar Raushan (BJP)
22. Shreyashi Singh (BJP)
23. Pramod Kumar (BJP)
24. Sanjay Kumar (LJP-RV)
25. Sanjay Kumar Singh (LJP-RV)
26. Deepak Prakash (RLM)

Out of the 26 ministerial positions announced thus far, the BJP holds a dominant share with 14 cabinet berths. Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) has secured 8, while Chirag Paswan’s breakaway faction Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by his cousin Pashupati Kumar Paras, has been allotted 2 positions. Additionally, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) led by Jitan Ram Manjhi and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) each have one representative in the ministry. This distribution reflects the NDA’s coalition arithmetic while ensuring each partner’s political relevance remains intact.

Beyond numbers, the composition of the cabinet casts a deliberate focus on caste and regional balance, a crucial aspect of Bihar’s political design. Among the 27 leaders including the Chief Minister, eight ministers belong to upper castes, five are from Dalit communities, one Muslim minister has been inducted, and thirteen ministers represent the Other Backward Classes or Extremely Backward Classes. This distribution appears carefully crafted to maintain a socially inclusive government that resonates with Bihar’s diverse demographics, where caste remains a central driver of political loyalty.

Another highlight of this cabinet formation is its blend of senior political figures and emerging leaders. Ten newly inducted faces signify a calculated effort toward generational transition within the alliance. One of the most notable new entrants is Shreyashi Singh, the celebrated shooter-turned-politician representing BJP from Jamui. Her inclusion not only symbolizes youthful leadership but also signals the NDA’s intent to continue engaging with figures from sports and public life beyond traditional politics.

Similarly, Aurai MLA Rama Nishad, who represents a prominent Nishad community, carries forward the political influence of her family as the daughter-in-law of former Union Minister Jaynarayan Nishad. Such representation supports the government’s aim to retain OBC and EBC influence while rewarding loyalty and electoral performance.

The inclusion of Deepak Prakash, son of RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, also speaks to the NDA’s strategic commitment to accommodate allies and their political heirs. Despite not being elected to the legislative assembly, his induction ensures the continuation of Kushwaha’s political significance within the coalition. He is expected to be formally integrated into the state’s legislative council within six months.

Among the prominent returning faces is BJP veteran Ram Kripal Yadav, who recently re-established his political stronghold by defeating RJD’s Ritlal Yadav in Danapur, one of the most closely watched contests in the election. His return to ministerial responsibilities showcases BJP’s trust in his influence over key segments of voters.

The cabinet also includes leaders such as Nitin Nabin, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, and Mangal Pandey, who have held significant roles across earlier terms and continue to maintain strong footholds in their respective political regions. The two ministers from the LJP (RV), Sanjay Kumar Singh and Sanjay Kumar, mark the growing influence of Chirag Paswan’s rival faction in Bihar’s governance structure.

While the oath-taking ceremony has solidified the initial ministerial appointments, the portfolios are yet to be assigned. The distribution of important departments such as Home, Finance, Education, Roads, and Health will further reveal power dynamics within the coalition. Nitish Kumar traditionally retains the Home Ministry, which allows him to oversee administrative stability and law and order, while other key sectors may be strategically shared to maintain internal balance.

This renewed NDA government faces a diverse range of priorities — from improving job creation and enhancing rural infrastructure to addressing education gaps and boosting industrial development. Public expectations remain high, especially given Bihar’s developmental challenges and the political promise of “sushasan.”

As Nitish Kumar embarks on another five-year term, his government’s stability will depend on navigating alliance expectations, ensuring performance-driven governance, and upholding the public confidence that has kept him in power for nearly two decades. The inclusion of fresh leadership voices alongside experienced political figures indicates a government poised for continuity with calculated reforms. What unfolds next will determine whether this historic tenth term becomes one of Nitish Kumar’s most defining eras in Bihar’s political evolution.