Patna: Bihar is set for a historic political moment as Nitish Kumar prepares to take oath as chief minister for a record tenth time at the iconic Gandhi Maidan on Thursday, November 20. The swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of the 18th Bihar Assembly, following the resounding victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the recent state elections.
The 74-year-old JD(U) supremo, who has dominated Bihar politics for over two decades, will be administered the oath by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, the eighth governor to oversee Nitish Kumar’s ascension to the state’s top executive post. This ceremony is notable not only for its historical significance but also for the political stability it signals in the state, with Nitish defying anti-incumbency and emerging stronger in the 243-member assembly.
Grand Swearing-In Ceremony at Historic Gandhi Maidan
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 am and is expected to be attended by several high-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, and chief ministers from other NDA-ruled states. Gandhi Maidan, formerly Bankipore Maidan, holds a storied place in India’s history. Over decades, it has hosted Independence Day celebrations in 1947, the JP Movement in the 1970s, and multiple oath-taking ceremonies. Nitish Kumar himself has taken oath three times at Gandhi Maidan since 2005, and the venue is poised to witness yet another historic moment as Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister begins his tenth term.
Earlier in the day, Nitish submitted his resignation to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, paving the way for the formation of the new cabinet. The resignation coincides with the formal end of the current assembly’s term on November 22, setting the stage for the swearing-in of newly elected ministers.
Key Points in Cabinet Formation
While Nitish’s oath is the highlight, all eyes are on the composition of his cabinet, especially the deputy chief minister(s) and the allocation of portfolios among NDA partners. Bihar can have a maximum of 36 ministers, including the chief minister, and marathon negotiations are reportedly ongoing among constituent parties.
- Deputy Chief Ministers: The previous Nitish government had two deputy CMs—Samrat Choudhury and Vijay Kumar Sinha—while the Mahagathbandhan government operated with a single deputy, Tejashwi Yadav. It remains uncertain whether the new government will continue with one or two deputies, although both Samrat Choudhury and Vijay Kumar Sinha have been re-elected.
- Cabinet Portfolios: The division of key ministries is a point of contention. Sources indicate that both JD(U) and BJP are keen on the home ministry, a portfolio traditionally held by JD(U). The education ministry is also under discussion. NDA leaders have held intensive meetings, including a three-hour session led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday, to finalize cabinet allocations.
NDA’s Electoral Triumph
The grand oath-taking ceremony follows the NDA’s landslide victory, where the alliance won 202 of 243 seats, leaving the opposition in a distant second place. The JD(U) itself secured 85 seats, consolidating Nitish Kumar’s position as a dominant force in Bihar politics. The results have been hailed as a triumph over anti-incumbency sentiments, demonstrating the electorate’s continued faith in the NDA’s governance model.
This victory also sets the tone for the next five-year term, with a government expected to focus on development, law and order, infrastructure, and social welfare schemes. The swearing-in ceremony, therefore, is not merely ceremonial but marks the beginning of governance and policy execution in the state.
Political Significance of the Ceremony
Gandhi Maidan, the venue for the swearing-in, has long been a stage for historical political events in Bihar. Its oval-shaped expanse has seen mass movements, political rallies, and legislative inaugurations. Hosting Nitish Kumar’s tenth oath at this venue underscores the continuity and historical depth of his leadership.
The presence of Prime Minister Modi and other NDA leaders will add a national dimension to the ceremony, signaling the central leadership’s support for the new government. Analysts suggest that this high-profile attendance emphasizes political stability in Bihar and reinforces the NDA’s dominance in state politics.
Focus on Governance and Administrative Priorities
As Nitish Kumar takes oath for a record tenth term, attention will quickly shift to governance priorities and the administrative setup of the state. Key issues expected to feature prominently include:
- Internal security and law enforcement: Ensuring safety and maintaining law and order across Bihar.
- Infrastructure and development: Focus on roads, bridges, irrigation, and urban development projects.
- Education and health: Enhancing quality and accessibility, especially in rural areas.
- Agriculture and MSMEs: Boosting farmer incomes and supporting small and medium enterprises.
The composition of the cabinet, including deputy chief ministers and key ministers, will directly impact the execution of these priorities, making the negotiations over portfolios crucial for governance effectiveness.
Media Coverage and Public Engagement
The ceremony will be broadcast live across major television networks and streamed on official party YouTube channels to ensure public access. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), will provide real-time updates on proceedings. Citizens and political observers alike are expected to closely monitor who receives ministerial roles, the deputy chief minister appointments, and the overall composition of the cabinet.
Conclusion
Thursday’s event at Gandhi Maidan marks more than just the inauguration of a government; it represents a historic milestone in Bihar’s political history. Nitish Kumar’s tenth term as chief minister underscores his enduring influence and the electorate’s trust in his leadership. While the ceremony itself will be grand, the real focus will soon shift to governance, ministerial responsibilities, and policy implementation.
The coming days will determine the balance of power within the NDA in Bihar, the role of deputy chief ministers, and how the government addresses critical issues across the state. As Bihar witnesses the swearing-in of its longest-serving chief minister, the political and administrative developments following the ceremony will shape the trajectory of governance in the state for the next five years.
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