Patna: Nitish Kumar is set to be sworn in as Bihar’s chief minister for a record tenth time at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan on Thursday, November 20. The swearing-in — billed as a major NDA show of strength — is scheduled to begin in the morning and is expected to see attendance from top national leaders and Union ministers.
Resignation, selection and the formalities
On Wednesday, Nitish Kumar resigned as head of the outgoing NDA government and was elected leader of the NDA legislature party, clearing the constitutional path for the new ministry. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan accepted the resignation and asked him to continue as caretaker until the new oath-taking.
Why this swearing-in matters
The ceremony is significant politically and historically. Nitish’s JD(U) emerged from the 2025 Assembly elections as a senior partner in the NDA, helping the alliance secure a decisive mandate. Official Election Commission data shows the NDA crossing the majority mark, and the allied seat shares have reconfigured Bihar’s political arithmetic for the new assembly.
Gandhi Maidan: a symbolic stage
Gandhi Maidan has hosted many high-profile political events in Bihar’s modern history — from Independence celebrations to mass rallies and earlier oath ceremonies. For Nitish, this will be the fourth oath-taking held at the ground since 2005, underscoring the ceremonial and symbolic value of the venue. Officials in Patna have stepped up logistical and security preparations ahead of the event.
Who will join the cabinet?
The NDA has maintained public silence on the exact cabinet list, but multiple reports indicate that more than 20 ministers are expected to be sworn in alongside the chief minister. Marathon inter-party meetings are underway to finalise portfolios; sources say both JD(U) and BJP leaders are negotiating key ministries including home and education. The final list will be announced at or immediately after the swearing-in.
Deputy chief minister – one or two?
Attention in Patna has focused on whether the new government will have one deputy CM or continue with two. The outgoing NDA government featured two deputies, and media reports say the BJP has already proposed continuity by naming Samrat Choudhary as leader of its legislature party and Vijay Kumar Sinha as deputy leader — both of whom are likely candidates for deputy CM posts if seat-sharing dictates. Final decisions rest on inter-alliance seat math and portfolio bargaining.
Security, protocol and national attendance
Organisers and state authorities have announced heightened security and special arrangements to host visiting dignitaries. Sources and national outlets suggest Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers are likely to attend, underlining the central leadership’s interest in projecting the NDA’s Bihar victory on a national stage.
What to watch next
Beyond the ceremony itself, observers will watch three immediate developments: the composition of the Council of Ministers, the allocation of key portfolios between JD(U) and BJP partners, and whether the government opts for a single or dual deputy CM model. The decisions will shape governance priorities in Bihar for the next five years.
For official election statistics and constituency-level results, readers can consult the Election Commission of India portal. For live coverage and breaking updates on the swearing-in ceremony, leading national outlets will carry live streams and reports.
