Nitish Kumar Set for Historic 10th Oath as Bihar CM

Nitish Kumar, the seasoned political stalwart often dubbed “Sushasan Babu,” is once again grabbing headlines — this time for an extraordinary reason. On 20 November 2025, he is poised to take oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time. This milestone not only underscores his political longevity but also cements his place as one of India’s most enduring regional leaders.

A Political Marathon

Nitish’s journey to this landmark is nothing short of remarkable. He first assumed office in March 2000, but that term lasted just seven days before it collapsed. Since then, he has navigated a complex landscape of shifting alliances, resignations, and comebacks.

Here’s a breakdown of some of his previous stints:

• 2005–2010: His first full term after returning in alliance with the NDA.
• 2010–2014: Re-elected, though he stepped down after the 2014 Lok Sabha results.
• 2015: Came back again, this time riding a new political equation.
• Subsequent terms saw him switching between alliances (NDA, Mahagathbandhan, and back), each time proving his adaptability.
• His 9th oath came in January 2024.

Why the 10th Oath Matters

• Electoral Mandate: The NDA, under Nitish’s leadership, scored a landslide in the 2025 assembly elections — winning 202 out of 243 seats.
• Trusted Leadership: Despite health concerns and occasional gaffes raised by critics, Nitish’s clean image and governance record continue to resonate.
• Legacy of Survival: Analysts call him a “political survivor.” His repeated returns, even when the odds were against him, speak volumes about his resilience and strategic acumen.
• Historic Oath Ceremony: The swearing-in is set to take place at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, a symbolic stage where he has taken oaths before — in 2005, 2010, and 2015.
• Strong NDA Backing: His leadership is bolstered by firm support from key NDA partners, including the BJP, LJP (RV), HAM, and RLM, reflecting trust within his coalition.

The Man Behind the Milestone

Nitish Kumar is not just winning because of political manoeuvres; he has built a brand around governance. His reputation for honesty, clean administration, and development-first politics stands in contrast to some of his rivals.

He has masterfully balanced caste dynamics too — projecting himself as a unifying figure across Kurmis (his community), EBCs, OBCs, and even forward castes.
This ability to reach across divides, combined with his focus on infrastructure, law and order, and public welfare, has helped him forge an enduring bond with voters.

Challenges on the Horizon

• Cabinet Balancing Act: With over 200 NDA seats in the state assembly, there’s intense jockeying for ministerial berths.
• Public Expectations: With a monumental win comes high expectations — especially on governance, jobs, and social welfare.
• Alliance Stability: Given Nitish’s history of political U-turns, some analysts will be closely watching how durable this coalition remains.
• Succession Question: At 74, there is natural speculation about who could be his political heir within JD(U) and the broader NDA.

What This Means for Bihar

This 10th term is not just a personal victory for Nitish Kumar — it’s a signal of continuity in Bihar’s political landscape. The electorate has once again placed its trust in his leadership, suggesting that governance, not just rhetoric, played a key role in shaping this mandate.

For Bihar, it could mean sustained policy momentum — in infrastructure, education, and social welfare. Nitish’s long tenure also provides a stable anchor for the NDA in the state. But to deliver on his promise, he’ll need to navigate both internal and external pressures deftly.

Conclusion

Nitish Kumar’s upcoming 10th oath as Bihar CM isn’t just a political record — it’s a testament to his staying power. His journey, filled with twists and turns, has made him a symbol of resilience in Indian politics. As he prepares to swear in on 20 November 2025, all eyes will be on whether he can turn this momentous comeback into lasting, transformative governance for Bihar.

Tags: Bihar politics, Nitish Kumar, Bihar CM, NDA, JD(U), state elections