Nitish Kumar’s Historic 10th Oath: Bihar’s New Dawn of Development

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 20th  November: The political landscape of Bihar has entered a moment in history, as Janata Dal leader Nitish Kumar took the oath as Chief Minister for an unprecedented 10th term on November 20, 2025. The grand ceremony took place at the iconic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, where most of the important political events of Bihar were held. These included the earlier inaugurations of Nitish Kumar and the call to “total revolution” by Jayaprakash Narayan in 1974. This milestone was watched by a large public gathering and participated in by the highest echelons in Bharat’s political leadership, symbolizing continuity while infusing fresh vigor into the governance of Bihar.

A New Beginning from a Historic Platform

The oath-taking ceremony of Nitish Kumar was thus tinged with optimism and responsibility. Addressing the gathering moments before the oath, Nitish Kumar invoked a strong sentiment of faith and confidence shared by millions of Biharis. He underlined the beginning of a “new journey of development” for the state, his commitment to progress with clear focus on socio-economic upliftment. His words, broadcast from Gandhi Maidan, were not mere lines of ceremonial rhetoric but a promise anchored in decades of political stewardship. Janata Dal (United) joined in reiterating these declarations, presenting this event as a milestone moment in Bihar’s democratic journey and a test of trust in the leadership of Nitish Kumar.​

The Political Ensemble and Cabinet Dynamics

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by a list of political bigwigs, marking NDA’s strong hold on Bihar. The event was joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, and several Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states to signal strong central support for Nitish Kumar’s government. Besides Nitish Kumar’s assuming the reins, BJP’s Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary took oaths as Deputy Chief Ministers, supplementing the coalition nature of the new government.

As many as 26 ministers took the oath, which reflects a truly broad-based cabinet representation from JD(U), BJP, and smaller allies like the RLJP and HAM. This diverse cabinet composition hints at an inclusive governance model, representing a mix of experience blended with fresh faces. The huge task ahead for Nitish Kumar is to balance cabinet positions among allies while ensuring that a robust administrative agenda is pursued vigorously. High hopes rest on this government for the fulfillment of promises regarding infrastructure expansion, education reform with a Rs 5,000-crore overhaul of the budgetary provisions, and establishment of skill development centers to arrest youth migration.​

Mass Public Enthusiasm and Security Arrangements

The event drew unprecedented public attendance, as over three lakh people reached the venue in Gandhi Maidan. With the NDA enjoying a high support base among women voters, special arrangements were made with separate enclosures and security corridors, ensuring a hassle-free and secure atmosphere for all. The city’s traffic was curtailed on the day to allow masses of people and to maintain order during this landmark occasion.​

A Moment of Political Maturity and Responsibility

Nitish Kumar’s tenth oath as Chief Minister is more than just a political record; it symbolizes political maturity-a rare testament to voter faith and political resilience in Bharat’s most populous and complex state. This is not just about Nitish’s individual political dexterity but reflects the changing dynamics of Bihar’s politics, where coalitions, trust, and governance have struck a balance. Yet, considering Bihar’s socio-economic challenges-notably youth unemployment, rural distress, and infrastructure needs-the expectations are no less sky-high. The onus of proof will now lie on how effectively this seasoned leader and his coalition translate their electoral mandate into tangible developmental outcomes that improve everyday lives for the better.

Bihar’s Journey Ahead

The significance of this event does not lie in ceremonial grandeur as Bihar embarks on this new chapter with Nitish Kumar at the helm for the 10th time. It is an affirmation of democratic stability in a state that has often been associated with volatile politics. A powerful presence of the NDA and the big ministerial team thus lays the ground for a governance-oriented agenda, the expectations from which far exceed political acumen for visionary leadership. If Nitish Kumar can leverage his experience and coalition strength to advance policy reforms and development projects, his legacy may be defined not by record tenures alone but by the transformational growth of Bihar into a prosperous state that meets the aspirations of its people. This oath-taking at Gandhi Maidan is thus symbolic of hope, continuity, and a new mandate for progress that engages the attention of political observers and citizens alike as Bihar steps into the next phase of its political and developmental journey.