New Delhi: Nitish Kumar took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the tenth time at a ceremony held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, marking another milestone in his long political career. The event was attended by senior leaders of the National Democratic Alliance, including the Prime Minister, along with chief ministers from several NDA-governed states.
Kumar had stepped down from the post earlier in the week before presenting his claim to form a new government to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. With support from alliance partners, he secured the mandate to lead the state once again.
The composition of the new Cabinet is expected to reflect proportional representation for all constituents of the alliance. Partners beyond the two main parties, the BJP and JD(U), are likely to receive one ministerial berth for every six MLAs. Allocations are expected to include positions for the Rashtriya Lok Morcha and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), while Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is set to gain three ministries. The remaining portfolios will be distributed between the BJP and JD(U). The full Cabinet expansion is planned after Makar Sankranti on January 14.
At 71, Kumar remains one of the country’s most experienced political leaders. A member of the legislative council, he did not contest the recent assembly elections but continues to hold significant influence in state politics. With nearly nineteen years in office, he stands among India’s longest-serving chief ministers as he begins another term at the helm of Bihar.
