Nitish 10.0: A Decade of Mandates, One Leader Still Unshaken

Nitish Kumar, national president of the Janata Dal (United), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for an unprecedented 10th term at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan on Thursday, marking a landmark moment in Bihar’s political history.

The ceremony came nearly a week after the NDA swept the 2025 Assembly elections with a commanding mandate. The BJP-led alliance secured 202 out of 243 seats, delivering a crushing blow to the Mahagathbandhan (MGB), which managed only 35 seats — a margin that stunned both camps. Within the NDA, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats, while the JD(U) won 85, with both parties contesting 101 seats each.

Grand Show at Gandhi Maidan

The iconic Gandhi Maidan — which has hosted multiple Nitish Kumar inaugurations — was transformed into a high-security venue with elaborate arrangements. Multiple pandals were erected for VIP attendees, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, several Union ministers, and chief ministers from at least seven NDA-ruled states.

PM Modi Hails New Bihar Cabinet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X shortly after the oath-taking ceremony, praising the new NDA team.

“My best wishes to all those who have taken oath as Ministers in the Bihar Government. This is a wonderful team, with dedicated leaders who will take Bihar to new heights,” he wrote.

Tejashwi Yadav Reacts After Poll Defeat

In his first response since the MGB’s humiliating defeat, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav congratulated Nitish Kumar and the new ministers.
He expressed hope that the new government would “live up to the hopes and expectations of responsible people… and bring positive and qualitative changes in the lives of the people of Bihar.”

26 Ministers Sworn Into New NDA Cabinet

A total of 26 ministers were administered the oath alongside the Chief Minister. The new cabinet comprises:

• 14 from BJP

• 8 from JD(U)

• 2 from LJP (Ram Vilas)

• 1 from HAM (S)

• 1 from RLM

Full List of Ministers:

1. Nitish Kumar – JD(U) — Chief Minister

2. Ashok Choudhary – JD(U)

3. Mohammad Zama Khan – JD(U)

4. Lesi Singh – JD(U)

5. Madan Sahni – JD(U)

6. Sunil Kumar – JD(U)

7. Vijay Kumar Choudhary – JD(U)

8. Bijendra Prasad Yadav – JD(U)

9. Shravan Kumar – JD(U)

10. Vijay Kumar Sinha – BJP

11. Samrat Choudhary – BJP

12. Dilip Kumar Jaiswal – BJP

13. Mangal Pandey – BJP

14. Ram Kripal Yadav – BJP

15. Sanjay Singh Tiger – BJP

16. Arun Shankar Prasad – BJP

17. Surendra Prasad Mehta – BJP

18. Narayan Prasad – BJP

19. Rama Nishad – BJP

20. Lakhendra Kumar Roshan – BJP

21. Shreyashi Singh – BJP

22. Pramod Kumar – BJP

23. Nitin Nabin – BJP

24. Santosh Kumar Suman – HAM(S)

25. Sanjay Kumar – LJP (RV)

26. Deepak Prakash – RLM

Bihar Swearing-In: 5 Key Takeaways

1. NDA’s Landslide Victory
NDA secured 202 seats: BJP (89), JD(U) (85), LJP(RV) (19), HAM(S) (5), RLM (4).

2. High-Profile Attendance
PM Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, multiple Union ministers, and seven CMs attended the ceremony.

3. New Cabinet Formed
Nitish Kumar and 26 ministers took oath, representing BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV), HAM(S), and RLM.

4. Historic Venue
Gandhi Maidan, which hosted Nitish’s inaugurations in 2005, 2010, and 2015, again served as the symbolic stage of power. It is also the site of Jayaprakash Narayan’s 1974 “total revolution” call.

5. NDA Leadership Reaffirmed
Ahead of the oath ceremony, Nitish Kumar was elected leader of both the JD(U) Legislature Party and the NDA Legislature Party.

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