Nitish now moves closer to becoming India’s longest-serving CM, surpassing even Pawan Chamling’s 24-year record if he completes this term.
BY PC Bureau
November 20, 2025: Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record-setting tenth term on Thursday morning at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan, marking a resounding political comeback after last week’s emphatic Assembly election victory. The Janata Dal (United) chief — often dismissed by opponents as too old and past his political prime — returned to power with a sweeping mandate as the JD(U) won 85 of 243 seats, while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 202 seats, sealing a commanding win.
The swearing-in ceremony doubled as a massive show of strength for the NDA, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several chief ministers from BJP-ruled and allied states in attendance. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav were among those present. “Bihar is once again on the path of development,” Yadav told reporters. “The state will progress with PM Modi’s blessings and through good governance.”
Nitish Kumar, known for his political adaptability and longevity, is already India’s eighth longest-serving chief minister. If he completes this term, he will surpass Sikkim’s Pawan Chamling to become the longest-serving CM in the country’s history, with over 24 years in office.
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Expanded Council of Ministers
A total of 19 MLAs were sworn in alongside Nitish Kumar, beginning with BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Sinha, and Dilip Jaiswal. Choudhary and Sinha, who previously served as deputy chief ministers, are expected to return to those key roles. Jaiswal, once Revenue Minister, is also set to hold an important portfolio.
Several other BJP leaders — including Sanjay Kumar Singh, Pramod Kumar, and Lakhendra Raushan — were inducted. Pramod Kumar has earlier held the Law, Sugarcane, and Art & Culture portfolios. The BJP also brought in Rama Nishad, Narayan Prasad, Surendra Mehta, Arun Shankar Prasad, and Sanjay ‘Tiger’ Singh. Rising star Shreyasi Singh, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time MLA from Jamui, was also elevated to ministerial rank.
Today’s rally in Nanded will worry the Congress-NCP leaders.
In all parts of Maharashtra, people want NDA to return to power. They trust the work of the Centre and Maharashtra Government. pic.twitter.com/nDVRFcyahN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019
Senior leader Ram Kripal Yadav, who has been associated with the RJD and the JD(U) and has served as a Union minister and MP, was sworn in as well, alongside former Roadways Minister Nitin Nabin.
With 14 ministers, the BJP retains its position as the dominant partner in the alliance, having narrowly edged out the JD(U) by winning 89 seats. The JD(U) will have six ministers in the new cabinet.
The JD(U)’s contingent includes veterans such as Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Shrawon Kumar, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and Ashok Choudhary — all of whom have previously held key ministries including Energy, Rural Development, Water Resources, and Rural Works. Former Minority Welfare Minister Mohd Zama Khan returned to the cabinet as well.
Others inducted from the JD(U) include five-term MLA Leshi Singh, former Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni, and Sunil Kumar, the two-time MLA from Bhore.
Allies Receive One Berth Each
Three smaller NDA allies — Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Manch (RLM) — were given one ministerial berth each.
From HAM and RLM, the sons of the party leaders, Santosh Manjhi and Deepak Prakash, were sworn in. Both are members of the Legislative Council. While Prakash becomes a minister for the first time, Santosh Manjhi earlier served briefly as Minister for Information Technology and Disaster Management.
