Nitish Kumar Sworn In As Bihar CM for Record Tenth Time

story about Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar Sworn In As Bihar CM for Record Tenth Time

Patna, November 20, 2025 — Nitish Kumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for an unprecedented tenth term, following the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) landslide victory in the 2025 state assembly elections.

Political Comeback and Power Negotiations

On November 19, 2025, the NDA legislature party formally elected Nitish Kumar as their leader, paving the way for his return to the top post. This comes after intensive negotiations among NDA partners, including the BJP and JD(U), to form a stable government. To fulfill procedural formalities, Nitish first resigned from his previous term before being reappointed.

The new cabinet (the Tenth Nitish Kumar Ministry) was officially formed on November 20, 2025. Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have been named as his deputy chief ministers.

A Legacy of Political Longevity

Nitish Kumar’s political journey is emblematic of his resilience and adaptability. Born on 1 March 1951 in Bakhtiarpur, Patna district, he has woven a career spanning activism, governance, and coalition politics.

Over the years, Nitish has repeatedly reconfigured alliances — at times allying with the BJP, at others breaking away to join broader opposition fronts. He first assumed the CM’s office in 2000 and has since remained a dominant figure in Bihar politics, known for his image of “sushasan” (good governance).

Top Priorities: Jobs, Infrastructure, and Inclusive Growth

In his new term, Nitish Kumar is spotlighting ambitious development and welfare goals:

One Crore Jobs by 2030: Nitish has set a target of creating one crore employment opportunities in Bihar over the next five years (2025–2030). To achieve this, he announced the foundation of a new skill development university, to be named after Bharat Ratna Jannayak Karpoori Thakur, which will focus on vocational training and self-employment.
Free Electricity for Households: In a major pre-poll promise, Nitish has rolled out a scheme granting up to 125 units of free electricity per household each month starting August 1, 2025 — expected to benefit around 1.67 crore households.
Urban Infrastructure: His administration recently inaugurated Bihar’s first double-decker flyover in Patna, at Ashoka Rajpath. This ₹ 422-crore project integrates a three-level traffic corridor: the JP Ganga Path, a metro route, and a service road to ease congestion, especially in academic zones.

The “Rule of Law” Narrative and Development Pitch

In a recent rally in Madhepura, Nitish declared that his government has transformed Bihar from a state of “anarchy” to one governed by the rule of law. He highlighted achievements in women’s empowerment, education, and expansion of medical, engineering, and nursing colleges in historically underserved regions.

Nitish also emphasized social welfare schemes, including non-refundable cash assistance for women to help them start livelihood ventures.

Partnership with the Center

At a public event in Motihari, Nitish Kumar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development vision, particularly citing central support for major state schemes.

He credited Modi’s advice for Bihar’s free electricity policy and thanked him for backing key infrastructure projects — including budget allocations in national budgets for roads, flood control, a proposed Makhana Board, and even an airport.

Challenges & Political Criticism

Despite his long tenure, Nitish faces skepticism and criticism. Some political observers argue that his frequent alliance shifts reflect tactical brinkmanship rather than ideological conviction.

Concerns about governance style have also surfaced. In past legislative sessions, critics have called out what they describe as authoritarian tendencies in how he manages dissent.

Personal Life & Background

Nitish Kumar grew up in a politically connected family; his father, Ram Lakhan Singh, was linked to the Congress party.
He married Manju Kumari Sinha in 1973 (reportedly rejecting the idea of dowry), and they have a daughter, Nishant.
According to his latest disclosures, his total net worth is modest compared to many of his peers: around ₹1.64 crore in movable and immovable assets.

Outlook: A New Term, Old Hands

With his tenth swearing-in, Nitish Kumar reaffirms his status as one of India’s most enduring regional leaders. While his governance model dovetails development with populism, the real test will lie in translating his ambitious job and infrastructure goals into on-ground impact.

How he balances his alliance dynamics, manages internal party pressures, and delivers welfare promises could define both his legacy and Bihar’s trajectory over the next five years.