Nitish Kumar Sworn In as Bihar CM for 10th Time Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to PM Modi

Bihar witnessed a significant political moment as Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister for the 10th time, marking yet another chapter in his long and eventful political career. Following the ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Patna, Nitish Kumar extended “heartfelt gratitude” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support, signaling a renewed alignment between the Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The oath-taking ceremony saw the presence of top BJP leaders, state-level allies, and senior JD(U) members as Nitish Kumar took charge once again, reinforcing his status as one of India’s longest-serving chief ministers. The event comes amid shifting alliances and political recalibrations in Bihar’s ever-dynamic landscape.

Nitish Kumar, speaking to the media after the ceremony, said the renewed partnership with the BJP-led NDA was aimed at ensuring stability, development, and effective governance. He thanked PM Modi for extending support to the new government and expressed confidence that Bihar would witness “faster development and improved governance outcomes” under the alliance.

The latest political shift follows months of speculation over cracks within the previous coalition. Nitish’s decision to return to the NDA fold has triggered reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters see it as a pragmatic move necessary for governance continuity, while critics label it yet another political flip-flop, pointing out his multiple alliance switches over the past decade.

Political analysts note that Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA strengthens the BJP’s position in Bihar while giving JD(U) renewed relevance in national politics. For the BJP, supporting Nitish ensures stability in a key Hindi-belt state ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. For Nitish, the alliance provides political security and space to implement governance initiatives.

Opposition parties in Bihar, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have accused Nitish of betraying the mandate and prioritising power over ideological commitments. They argue that repeated shifts between alliances undermine political credibility and weaken democratic accountability. Nevertheless, coalition partners in the new government maintain that the restructured alliance reflects the will of the people who desire development-focused administration rather than political instability.

As Nitish Kumar begins his 10th term, the focus will be on addressing Bihar’s persistent challenges  unemployment, infrastructure gaps, education quality, and healthcare accessibility. Whether the new alliance can deliver on its promises will determine how this political realignment shapes the state’s future.

With the formal oath-taking completed and the cabinet formation underway, Bihar enters another phase in its unfolding political narrative, one shaped yet again by Nitish Kumar’s enduring presence.