Bihar – Bihar is witnessing a historic moment as Nitish Kumar Bihar CM prepares to take oath for an unprecedented 10th term at the iconic Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Thursday, November 20. The 74-year-old JD(U) leader, Nitish Kumar continues his nearly two-decade-long political legacy in the state, marking another significant milestone in Bihar’s political landscape.
Grand Ceremony at Gandhi Maidan
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to commence at 11:30 am at Gandhi Maidan, a venue that holds special significance for Nitish Kumar Bihar CM. This marks the fourth time since 2005 that Kumar will take his oath at this historic location. The venue has been transformed into a fortress with comprehensive security arrangements befitting the presence of several national leaders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, and key NDA ally Chandrababu Naidu are among the dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony. Other prominent guests include Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and chief ministers from various NDA-ruled states. Senior party leaders estimate that more than three lakh people will attend this grand event.
Unprecedented Security Measures
The Special Protection Group (SPG) has overseen the implementation of heavy security arrangements at Gandhi Maidan. Patna police has established a special monitoring team at the control room, utilizing drone surveillance to monitor the event area. Approximately 128 CCTVs have been strategically installed throughout the venue to ensure comprehensive coverage.
The security deployment includes over 2,500 security personnel, 250 police officers, and more than 250 magistrates. Snipers have been positioned on high-rise buildings surrounding Gandhi Maidan, providing an additional layer of protection. Roads around the venue have been barricaded for crowd management, and metal detectors have been installed at all entry gates. Traffic restrictions are in effect on routes leading to the venue and surrounding areas.
Political Developments and Leadership
After the NDA’s emphatic victory, Nitish Kumar Bihar CM staked his claim to form the next government following his election as the leader of the NDA legislature party on Wednesday. He resigned from his previous term and approached Governor Arif Mohammed Khan to stake his claim for forming the new government.
Samrat Choudhary has been chosen as the leader of the BJP legislature party, while Vijay Kumar Sinha was elected as his deputy. This development strongly indicates that both leaders will retain their positions as deputy chief ministers in the new administration. Additionally, BJP’s Mangal Pandey is being considered for a deputy chief minister post.
Cabinet Formation and Portfolio Allocation
NDA leaders conducted intensive discussions on Wednesday to finalize the list of ministers from each party and allocate portfolios among alliance partners. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will receive the final ministers’ list on Thursday morning, and the selected ministers will be informed just ahead of the ceremony. However, clarity remains pending on whether Cabinet ministers will also take oath on Thursday.
The Cabinet composition is expected to include 16 ministers from the BJP and 14 from JD(U), including Nitish Kumar Bihar CM himself. The new Cabinet is likely to feature five to six fresh faces from both BJP and JD(U). While the JD(U) is expected to retain its current ministers, the BJP plans to introduce three new faces while maintaining most ministers from the outgoing administration.
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Portfolio Distribution Challenges
Both the BJP and JD(U) are competing for the coveted home portfolio, which was held by JD(U) in the outgoing government. The education ministry, previously with JD(U), represents another point of contention between the alliance partners.
The position of Bihar assembly speaker remains undecided. BJP’s Nand Kishore Yadav held the post in the outgoing government, but both parties are now vying for this key position. Frontrunners include BJP leader Prem Kumar and JD(U)’s Vijay Chowdhary. Narendra Narayan Yadav of JD(U), who served as deputy speaker, is also in contention.
Representation for Smaller Allies
Other NDA constituents will receive ministerial berths based on a formula of one position for every six MLAs, ensuring balanced representation. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) are likely to receive one slot each, while Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is expected to get three positions. The remaining 30-31 Cabinet positions will be divided between BJP and JD(U). The 243-member Bihar assembly can accommodate up to 36 ministers, including Nitish Kumar Bihar CM.
Electoral Mandate
The BJP-JD(U)-led NDA secured a landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, winning 202 seats in the 243-member assembly. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan managed only 36 seats. Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM won five seats, and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party failed to open its account.
As Nitish Kumar Bihar CM prepares for his 10th term, Bihar enters a new chapter in its political journey under the NDA coalition’s leadership.
