Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister for a record tenth time on November 20, 2025, after a decisive electoral victory by the NDA in the state assembly elections.
His political career spans over 25 years with nine previous terms marked by strategic alliance shifts, governance reforms, and electoral resilience. Kumar’s enduring presence in Bihar’s political landscape underscores his unmatched influence and ability to navigate complex political terrains.
The swearing-in ceremony at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan was attended by senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, symbolising his political stature and Bihar’s ongoing stability under his leadership.
A Closer Look at His Nine Terms
Nitish’s first term began on 3 March 2000 but lasted only until 10 March 2000 due to political instability. After a period dominated by Rabri Devi’s leadership, he returned on 24 November 2005, marking the start of a “reconstruction era” that unseated the 15-year rule of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s party. Nitish then secured consecutive terms in 2010 and again in 2015.
His 2015 term was unique, as he was sworn in twice that year: initially as part of a grand alliance with Lalu Prasad and Congress, and later after aligning with BJP-led NDA in 2017. In 2020, political upheavals led to two oath ceremonies, one early in the year and another after realignment in November.
Nitish’s ninth term began on 28 January 2024 after breaking from Mahagathbandhan and rejoining NDA. These repeated comebacks and re-elections highlight his unmatched political dexterity.
Nitish Kumar’s terms as Chief Minister include:
- First Term: March 3–10, 2000 (7 days, a brief tenure due to political flux)
- Second Term: 2005 – 2014 (first full term)
- Third Term: 2010 – 2014 (re-elected, continued reform agenda)
- Fourth Term: 2015 (caretaker government post-Jitan Ram Manjhi)
- Fifth Term: November 20, 2015 – July 26, 2017 (Mahagathbandhan government with RJD and Congress)
- Sixth Term: July 27, 2017 – November 16, 2020 (after rejoining BJP-led NDA coalition)
- Seventh Term: November 16, 2020 – August 9, 2022 (continued NDA governance)
- Eighth Term: August 10, 2022 – January 28, 2024 (brief return to Mahagathbandhan)
- Ninth Term: January 28, 2024 – Present (rejoined NDA)
- Tenth Term– November 20, 2025 (NDA)
Each term reflects phases of political maneuvering and coalition recalibrations, with Nitish balancing electoral support for his development promises against the realities of Bihar’s coalition politics.
Political Resilience and Governance Achievements
Known as “Sushasan Babu,” Nitish Kumar has spearheaded reforms in law and order, infrastructure, education, and social welfare in Bihar. He has appointed over 100,000 teachers, ensured consistent healthcare delivery by doctors at primary health centres, electrified villages, reduced female illiteracy through innovative schemes like providing bicycles to schoolgirls, and significantly curbed crime.
Despite criticism for alliance shifts, his political agility has often been key to maintaining stability and pushing Bihar’s development agenda. His many electoral comebacks embody political pragmatism and an ability to adapt to evolving voter aspirations and party dynamics.
The Tenth Oath and Political Landscape
The tenth swearing-in ceremony on November 20, 2025, was held at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, with an impressive gathering planned, including top Union ministers and NDA leaders.
The strong mandate delivered by Bihar voters has fortified Nitish’s position as the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister, signalling continuity and renewed focus on governance and development. The new cabinet, comprising leaders across BJP, JD(U), and allies, aims to build on past achievements while responding to Bihar’s evolving challenges.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Nitish Kumar’s political journey demonstrates the complexity of democratic leadership in a large, diverse polity. His frequent alliance changes, though contentious, underline the necessity of coalition-building to sustain governance and implement development initiatives.
At The Logical Indian, we believe that political discourse anchored in empathy, pragmatism, and commitment to public good is essential for lasting social progress.
पिछले दो दशकों से बिहार के विश्वास, सुशासन और विकास के प्रतीक रहे हैं नीतीश कुमार।
— Janata Dal (United) (@Jduonline) November 19, 2025
उनका नेतृत्व निरंतर बिहार और बिहारवासियों की प्रगति के लिए समर्पित रहा है।@NitishKumar #Bihar #NitishKumar#JDU #JanataDalUnited pic.twitter.com/yfgPyYHrXX
