Patna witnessed a vibrant political and cultural spectacle on Thursday as Nitish Kumar took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the tenth time, marking another milestone in his long and storied political career. The event, held at the historic Gandhi Maidan, was not only a showcase of political power but also a celebration of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage. Among the many memorable moments from the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with the crowd—particularly his smiling gesture while waving a traditional ‘gamcha’—went viral almost immediately, capturing the imagination of millions across India.

The ceremony unfolded in the heart of Patna, where thousands of supporters and dignitaries gathered to witness the swearing-in of the new NDA government. The grandeur of the occasion reflected the significance of the event, both politically and symbolically, as the alliance secured a decisive victory in the recent assembly elections. The NDA’s triumph, winning 202 out of 243 constituencies, underscored the continued dominance of the coalition in Bihar’s political landscape. Within the alliance, the BJP secured 89 seats, JD(U) 85, LJP(RV) 19, and HAM(S) 5 seats, giving the government a comfortable majority and allowing Nitish Kumar to continue his tenure as Chief Minister.

As the event began, Bihar’s cultural ethos was highlighted through performances that immediately set a celebratory tone. The program opened with the traditional Mithila folk dance, ‘Sama Chakeva,’ which celebrates the bond of love between siblings. The dance was performed with colorful attire, rhythmic music, and intricate choreography, capturing the attention of the audience and honoring the state’s cultural legacy. Following this, the national anthem was played, evoking a sense of unity and patriotism among those gathered at Gandhi Maidan.

The ceremony was attended by a host of prominent leaders from across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were among the dignitaries who graced the event. The presence of these national figures highlighted the political importance of the occasion and underscored the BJP’s role in the coalition government alongside JD(U). Additionally, the chief ministers of several other states attended, further emphasizing the pan-Indian significance of the event and the recognition of Bihar as a crucial political battleground.

However, it was a seemingly simple yet charismatic gesture by PM Modi that captured the public’s attention. Shortly after Nitish Kumar completed his oath-taking, PM Modi was seen smiling and waving a traditional ‘gamcha’—a checkered scarf commonly used in Bihar and other parts of North India. The sight resonated deeply with the local populace and viewers nationwide, as Modi’s gesture appeared both culturally rooted and relatable. Many in the crowd mirrored his actions, waving their own scarves in the air, creating a visually striking moment that epitomized public enthusiasm and political camaraderie. Videos and photographs of Modi’s gamcha moment quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention and appreciation.

Alongside the political leaders, the event also featured cultural icons and entertainers who contributed to the festive atmosphere. On a secondary stage, Bhojpuri actor and singer-turned-BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, along with Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh, performed popular numbers that energized the crowd and brought a touch of local celebrity charm to the ceremony. Their performances reinforced the blending of politics with popular culture, a characteristic feature of Bihar’s public events, and helped maintain a lively, engaging environment throughout the proceedings.

The ceremony also served as the formal induction of the new cabinet, with 26 ministers, in addition to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, taking the oath of office. Key ministers included Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Dilip Jaiswal, Mangal Pandey, and several others who were entrusted with portfolios across the state administration. The cabinet, representing a mix of experienced leaders and new faces, reflected a careful balance of political alliances, caste representation, and regional considerations, highlighting the coalition’s strategy for governance and public outreach.

Every corner of Patna seemed to be decorated in anticipation of the event. Streets, buildings, and public spaces were adorned with banners and posters welcoming the dignitaries and celebrating the election victory. The city’s atmosphere was charged with excitement, as residents and supporters gathered in large numbers to witness the historic moment. The spectacle of political pageantry combined with cultural celebration created an immersive experience, marking the swearing-in as one of the most memorable in Bihar’s political history.

Political analysts noted that Nitish Kumar’s continued leadership is emblematic of his enduring influence in Bihar politics. Known for his administrative acumen and development-oriented governance, Nitish Kumar has often been credited with steering Bihar through multiple phases of political and economic challenges. His tenth swearing-in not only reinforces his personal political legacy but also signals stability for the state’s governance under the NDA framework. The presence of PM Modi and other senior BJP leaders at the ceremony further cemented the alliance’s commitment to collaborative governance and the continuity of developmental priorities in Bihar.

The gamcha moment, though seemingly informal, captured a significant symbolic value. It showcased a leader connecting with the people in a culturally resonant way, bridging formal political discourse with everyday life in Bihar. The gesture also highlighted PM Modi’s ability to engage with local traditions while reinforcing his national stature, creating a memorable instance that resonated both within the state and across India. Social media platforms, news channels, and public discussions amplified the moment, turning it into a cultural phenomenon almost immediately after the ceremony concluded.

In summary, Nitish Kumar’s swearing-in ceremony at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan was a grand convergence of politics, culture, and public celebration. The event successfully highlighted Bihar’s rich traditions, the political significance of the NDA’s electoral success, and the personalities shaping the state’s governance. From the Mithila folk performances to the high-profile attendance of national leaders, and culminating in PM Modi’s now-viral gamcha gesture, the ceremony was a vivid illustration of political theatre, cultural pride, and public enthusiasm.

The combination of political ceremony, cultural showcase, and the spontaneous gamcha moment has ensured that this swearing-in will be remembered not only for Nitish Kumar’s historic tenth term but also for the manner in which it captured the imagination and attention of the public. It demonstrated the enduring appeal of leaders who connect with tradition, celebrate local culture, and engage with the people in ways that are both symbolic and memorable.

As Bihar moves forward under the NDA government, this ceremony stands as a reminder of the interplay between governance, cultural identity, and public sentiment—a convergence that defines much of India’s democratic and social fabric today.

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