On November 21, 2025, Bihar witnessed a political milestone as Nitish Kumar took the oath of office as Chief Minister for the tenth time, marking a record in the state's political history. The ceremony, held at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan, was not just a routine swearing-in but a showcase of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) overwhelming mandate in the recent legislative assembly elections. With the NDA securing 202 out of 243 seats, as reported by ANI and other outlets, the event signaled both continuity and a fresh start for the state’s governance.
Alongside Nitish Kumar, two prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders—Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha—were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. The ceremony, administered by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, included a roster of ministers from the BJP, Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). Altogether, 25 Cabinet Ministers took the oath, reflecting the NDA’s broad-based coalition and its intent to balance political representation across the state.
The BJP emerged as the single largest party within the NDA, a fact that shaped the new Cabinet’s composition. The BJP received 14 ministerial berths, JD(U) secured 9 (including the Chief Minister), while LJP (Ram Vilas) and RLM each got one berth, and HAM(S) was allotted one as well. This distribution, according to Express InfoGenIE and ANI, underscores the NDA’s strategy to combine political strength with regional and social representation.
Among those taking the oath were several familiar faces and some new entrants. The list included Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Vijendra Kumar Yadav, Shravan Kumar, Leshi Singh, Ashok Chaudhary, Madan Sahni, Sunil Kumar, and Mohd Zama Khan from JD(U); Mangal Pandey, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, Nitin Nabin, Ram Kripal Yadav, Sanjay Singh Tiger, Arun Shankar Prasad, Surendra Mehta, Narayan Prasad, Rama Nishad, Lakhendra Kumar Raushan, Shreyashi Singh, and Pramod Kumar from the BJP; Santosh Kumar Suman from HAM; Sanjay Kumar and Sanjay Kumar Singh from LJP(RV); and Deepak Prakash from RLM. Each minister’s appointment is seen as a calculated move to ensure both administrative experience and electoral reward.
The NDA’s resounding victory in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election set the stage for these appointments. As reported by ANI, the coalition’s 202-seat haul provided a clear mandate, with the BJP’s strong performance consolidating its position as a key driver of the alliance. JD(U), under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, also made significant gains, ensuring that the party would remain central to the government’s functioning.
But beyond the numbers and ceremonial pomp, the new Cabinet faces a daunting set of expectations. The NDA’s pre-election promises were ambitious and far-reaching. Chief among them is the pledge to generate one crore jobs within five years—a promise that resonates deeply in a state where youth migration for employment is a persistent challenge. According to Express InfoGenIE, the government has also committed to opening mega-skill centers in every district, aiming to address the skills gap and prepare Bihar’s workforce for emerging opportunities.
Women’s empowerment featured prominently in the NDA’s campaign, with Nitish Kumar vowing to create one crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women who achieve significant economic independence—and to support select women entrepreneurs in becoming crorepatis. This initiative builds on Kumar’s established base among women voters, who have been pivotal to his political longevity.
Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the NDA’s agenda. The government has promised a Rs 5,000-crore overhaul of the education sector, the construction of seven expressways, and the laying of 3,600 kilometers of new railway tracks. There are also plans for Metro railways in four cities, which, if realized, would mark a transformative leap for urban mobility in Bihar. The health sector is not left behind, with commitments to establish a Medicity boasting world-class facilities and to set up a medical college in every district.
These promises, while energizing the electorate, now serve as a yardstick against which the new government will be measured. As The Indian Express and ANI have noted, the Cabinet’s composition is not just about political arithmetic but about signaling intent: who will drive development, who will champion welfare, and who will steer the state through complex economic and social challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Nitish Kumar, the Deputy CMs, and the new Cabinet, underscoring the significance of Bihar’s political transition on the national stage. The central government’s support is expected to be crucial as Bihar pursues its ambitious development goals.
For many observers, the new Cabinet’s makeup also offers insights into the NDA’s internal dynamics. The allocation of berths reflects both the BJP’s electoral dominance and JD(U)’s continued relevance. Smaller allies like LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM(S), and RLM have been given representation, a move likely intended to maintain coalition harmony and ensure wider buy-in for the government’s agenda.
Of course, the real test lies ahead. The people of Bihar will be watching closely to see whether the government can deliver on its promises—especially on employment, education, and healthcare. The Cabinet’s ability to work cohesively and translate electoral commitments into tangible outcomes will determine its legacy.
As Bihar embarks on this new chapter, the Cabinet’s formation is more than a political event; it is a signal of the state’s aspirations and the government’s roadmap for the future. The coming months will reveal whether this team can rise to the occasion and meet the high expectations set by their historic mandate.
With the swearing-in complete and portfolios soon to be allocated, all eyes are on Patna. The next five years will be crucial, not just for the NDA or Nitish Kumar, but for millions of Biharis who are counting on real change and progress.
