Nitish Kumar to take oath as CM for 10th time
Patna, Bihar – Patna moved into high political gear today as JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar prepared to take charge of Bihar for a record tenth term. The NDA elected him as its legislative leader in the morning, clearing the path for yet another transition of power under his command. Nitish will meet Governor Arif Mohammad Khan later today and submit his resignation as the outgoing Chief Minister before beginning the process of forming the new government.
The NDA swept the recent Assembly elections and returned to power with a strong mandate. Nitish used the victory to push for stability, and he urged alliance partners to move quickly on government formation. As the day began, senior leaders from the BJP and JD(U) held multiple strategy meetings in Patna. They finalised Nitish’s name without resistance, signalling unity within the alliance after months of uncertainty.
Now, all eyes are on Thursday’s grand oath-taking ceremony at Gandhi Maidan. Authorities in Patna have tightened security across the venue. Officials said PM Narendra Modi will attend the ceremony along with Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from several BJP-ruled states. Police teams reviewed entry gates, seating arrangements and traffic control points, as the event is expected to draw large crowds and high-profile guests.
Nitish spent the morning meeting party legislators and discussing cabinet expansion. According to leaders close to him, he plans to induct fresh faces while keeping experienced ministers in key portfolios. He wants to balance caste equations and reward allies who performed well during the campaign. Sources said he aims to present a lean yet efficient cabinet to send a message of administrative discipline.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leaders reached Patna early to join the discussions. They said the alliance would focus on governance from day one. They also highlighted core priorities such as job creation, infrastructure development and law-and-order improvements. Nitish echoed their sentiment and said the government must “deliver fast and work with complete accountability.”
The political mood in Patna remained upbeat throughout the day. Party workers gathered outside the JD(U) office with drums and banners. They called the moment historic, as no other leader in Bihar has led the state ten times.
As the countdown to Thursday’s ceremony continues, the NDA wants to project stability and cohesion. Nitish Kumar, who has helmed Bihar through shifting alliances and complex coalitions for nearly two decades, now returns to power once again—with a renewed mandate and a familiar promise to steer the state toward development.
