Bihar is all set to witness the swearing-in of its new government on November 20, 2025, following the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) decisive victory in the state assembly elections. The NDA won 202 out of 243 seats, leaving the opposition, including the RJD and Congress, far behind. Nitish Kumar, the state’s longest-serving chief minister, is widely expected to be sworn in again, although official confirmation is awaited. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key questions and answers:

When will the new Bihar government be sworn in?
The NDA-led government is scheduled to take oath on November 20, 2025, at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. State minister and BJP leader Prem Kumar confirmed that the current government will be dissolved on November 19 to pave the way for the new administration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thousands of citizens are expected to attend the historic oath-taking ceremony.

When does the current term of the Bihar Assembly end?
The term of the 17th Bihar Assembly officially ends on November 22, 2025. With the NDA’s landslide victory, the process for forming the new government is already underway.

Has Nitish Kumar resigned?
Yes. Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan ahead of the formation of the new assembly and the swearing-in ceremony of the new government.

How many ministers will be sworn in?
Bihar’s cabinet size is constitutionally capped at 15% of the total assembly strength, which in a 243-member house means the government can have up to 36 ministers, including the chief minister.

How will ministerial positions be distributed among NDA allies?
According to senior NDA leaders, the allocation of ministerial posts is being planned to ensure balanced representation among coalition partners. The tentative distribution is as follows:

• Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM): 1 ministerial slot
• Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) [HAM(S)]: 1 slot
• Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)]: 3 slots
• BJP and JD(U): Remaining 30–31 slots to be divided among the two main partners

Adjustments may be made to accommodate regional considerations and internal party dynamics.

What is the process for forming the new government?

1. Cabinet meetings: The outgoing NDA-led government convened its final cabinet meeting to conclude pending business.
2. Legislature party meetings: All NDA constituent parties will meet separately to elect their legislative party leaders.
3. Joint NDA meeting: Representatives from all coalition partners will meet to finalize the leadership and cabinet allocations.
4. Governor’s approval: The chief minister-designate will meet the governor to tender resignation of the outgoing government and discuss the oath-taking schedule.

Who are some of the key leaders involved in consultations?
Several senior NDA leaders have already met Nitish Kumar, including:

• Union Minister of State Nityanand Rai
• RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha
• Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Sinha and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary
• JD(U) leaders Sanjay Jha and Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan’

These meetings are part of the preparatory discussions for cabinet formation, division of ministerial portfolios, and selection of key legislative positions such as the Speaker.

Why is the NDA’s victory considered historic?
The NDA’s win is one of the largest in Bihar’s recent political history. Winning 202 seats out of 243 demonstrates a significant mandate from the electorate, leaving the opposition RJD with only 25 seats and Congress with six out of the 61 seats they contested.

Key highlights of the swearing-in ceremony

• Date: November 20, 2025
• Venue: Gandhi Maidan, Patna
• Dignitaries: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with top NDA leaders and thousands of citizens
• Significance: Marks the beginning of the 18th Bihar Assembly and the second consecutive term for the NDA coalition under Nitish Kumar

Next steps after swearing-in
Following the oath-taking, the new cabinet will take charge, allocate portfolios, and begin implementing policies aligned with the NDA’s electoral promises. Key focus areas are expected to include infrastructure development, agriculture, education, and employment generation, as highlighted during the election campaigns.

In summary, Bihar is poised for a smooth transition of power with the NDA government taking office on November 20, the cabinet expected to have up to 36 ministers, and Nitish Kumar likely continuing as chief minister. Coalition partners are negotiating allocations to maintain balance while ensuring effective governance in the state.