Bihar is gearing up for another political reshuffle as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepares to resign on November 19 to facilitate the formation of a fresh National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, with indications pointing to his return as chief minister. The new cabinet is scheduled to take oath on November 20 at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, in what promises to be one of the grandest state swearing-in ceremonies in recent memory.

Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) supremo, has been a central figure in Bihar politics for decades. While there has been no official confirmation about his continuation as chief minister, statements from alliance leaders strongly suggest that he will once again lead the NDA government. Sources have also hinted at “surprise elements” in the new cabinet, signaling potential changes in key ministerial positions and the inclusion of new faces.

The Process of Government Formation

Ahead of his resignation, Nitish Kumar met with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan to brief him on the cabinet’s recommendation for the dissolution of the current legislative assembly. JD(U) minister Vijay Kumar Chowdhary confirmed that Kumar would formally tender his resignation on November 19, marking the official start of the process to install the new government.

Nitish Kumar was elected as the leader of both the JD(U) and the NDA legislature party on Wednesday, ahead of the new administration’s formation. The NDA, a coalition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and JD(U), will form the government shortly before the current Bihar assembly’s term expires on November 22. The ceremony at Gandhi Maidan will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union ministers, and chief ministers from other NDA-ruled states, adding to the significance of the event.

Nitish’s Return and Cabinet Composition

If Nitish Kumar takes oath as chief minister, it will mark his 10th term in office, cementing his status as Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister. Over his tenure, he has worked with six different deputy chief ministers, five from the BJP and one from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), navigating complex coalition dynamics and maintaining political stability in the state.

The upcoming cabinet is expected to reflect a careful balance of experience, caste, and social representation. A senior NDA leader suggested that the alliance might blend youth with experience in the new government, creating a “new-look” team without disrupting the social equilibrium. The alliance is reportedly considering a formula of roughly one ministerial position for every six MLAs, allowing smaller partners such as the Rashtriya Lok Manch (RLM) and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) one ministerial berth each, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) three, and the remaining 30–31 positions shared between the BJP and JD(U). According to constitutional provisions, a state cabinet can include up to 15% of the total assembly strength, allowing Bihar a maximum of 36 ministers, including the chief minister.

The NDA’s negotiations also include deliberations over key portfolios. Both the BJP and JD(U) are reportedly vying for the home portfolio, previously held by the JD(U), while the education ministry remains a point of discussion. Decisions about the deputy chief minister posts are also in flux. In the previous administration, there were two deputies—Samrat Choudhury, representing backward classes, and Vijay Kumar Sinha, a Bhumihar. The JD(U) is reportedly inclined to appoint only one deputy if the BJP assumes the Speaker’s post, highlighting the delicate balancing act involved in coalition politics.

Election Results and NDA Dominance

The new government follows the NDA’s resounding victory in the recently concluded Bihar assembly elections. Out of the 243-member assembly, the alliance secured 202 seats, with the BJP winning 89, JD(U) 85, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) 19, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) five, and the Rashtriya Lok Manch four. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and Congress, was reduced to 35 seats, a significant decline reflecting a decisive mandate for the NDA.

The overwhelming mandate gives the NDA flexibility in selecting ministers and distributing key portfolios, allowing the coalition to balance political representation, caste considerations, and governance priorities. This majority also provides a stable foundation for Nitish Kumar to continue implementing developmental policies and maintain the state’s administrative continuity.

Historical Context of Nitish Kumar’s Leadership

Nitish Kumar’s political journey spans decades, during which he has navigated multiple alliances, caste equations, and state-level crises. Known for his administrative acumen, he has often been credited with improvements in law and order, infrastructure, and social welfare schemes in Bihar. His tenure has also been marked by coalition politics, including partnerships with both the BJP and RJD at different times, showcasing his adaptability and strategic foresight.

The oath-taking ceremony at Gandhi Maidan is set to be the fourth such event hosted at the iconic venue during Nitish’s terms as chief minister. Only in 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, was the ceremony held privately at the Raj Bhawan. This year’s ceremony, given the NDA’s strong majority and political momentum, is expected to be an elaborate event with significant political symbolism.

Expectations from the New Government

The NDA government is expected to focus on development, governance, and social welfare while ensuring political stability in Bihar. With a strong legislative mandate, Nitish Kumar and his coalition partners will likely pursue initiatives in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development. The inclusion of new faces and “surprise elements” in the cabinet may signal a generational shift and an attempt to bring fresh perspectives into governance.

Political observers note that while the coalition enjoys a strong majority, effective governance will require careful management of internal dynamics, particularly in the allocation of key portfolios and balancing the interests of smaller allies. Decisions regarding deputy chief ministers, speaker positions, and ministries such as home and education are expected to be finalized in the coming days following internal discussions within the BJP and JD(U) legislature party meetings.

Conclusion

Bihar’s political landscape is once again at a crucial juncture as Nitish Kumar resigns and a new NDA government takes shape. With the likelihood of Kumar returning as chief minister for a record 10th term, the focus is on stability, continuity, and strategic cabinet formation that balances experience, youth, and social representation.

The NDA’s impressive electoral performance provides a solid mandate, allowing the coalition to implement governance initiatives while navigating coalition dynamics. As Bihar prepares for the grand swearing-in ceremony at Gandhi Maidan, political analysts and citizens alike await the composition of the new cabinet, the allocation of key portfolios, and any unexpected developments that may reshape the state’s administration.

With Nitish Kumar’s leadership at the helm, the NDA government in Bihar is poised to continue its governance agenda, blending seasoned administration with the potential for new faces and innovative policy approaches, marking a new chapter in the state’s political history.