Nitish Kumar to be sworn in as Bihar CM for record-breaking tenth term

Nitish Kumar will be sworn in once again as chief minister of Bihar on 20 November, marking his tenth term in office. The swearing-in comes after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislature-party meeting, in which he was elected unopposed as the leader of the Janata Dal (United). Reports indicate that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the ceremony.

The new government is likely to strike a balance of power between the BJP and the JD(U), with Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha expected to serve as deputy chief ministers. Negotiations are underway for a cabinet that reflects the NDA's broad social coalition, as stakeholders aim to accommodate representation from various caste groups.

Caste coalition, power-sharing in new cabinet

Caste arithmetic appears to be central to the NDA’s formation strategy. The alliance not only consolidated its traditional upper-caste support via the BJP but also made significant inroads among Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), a large and politically decisive group in Bihar.

The New Indian Express reports suggest that both JD(U) and BJP are coordinating to ensure a cabinet that represents EBCs, Dalits, other backward castes, and women. Sources indicate that around 16–17 ministerial posts may go to the BJP quota, a similar number to JD(U), with additional allocation for smaller partners such as LJP (Ram Vilas) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM).

Election analyst Ashish Ranjan (quoted in Outlook India) observed that the BJP has significantly increased its allocation of upper-caste candidates, signalling a deliberate move to consolidate that vote bank. He noted that while the BJP retains upper caste dominance, JD(U) under Nitish has focused heavily on EBCs, a strategy that appears to have paid off in this election.

The demographic breakdown, based on the 2023 caste survey, shows that EBCs make up around 36% of Bihar’s population, with OBCs at about 27%, Scheduled Castes nearly 20%, and upper castes roughly 15%. These figures have shaped the NDA’s candidate selection and governance formula.

Stability, continuity, grassroots work

Sources close to the NDA say that the party’s success was also driven by a cohesive campaign that emphasised development and social welfare, rather than aggressive politicking or negative campaigning. Early groundwork, we are told, included close engagement with EBC communities, women, and marginalised groups.

Nitish Kumar’s long governance record and his reputation as a steward of rural welfare have been critical to his enduring political relevance. India Today noted that schemes such as cash transfers to women and targeted social measures played a significant part in winning over a broad voter base this election.

Meanwhile, sources say the cabinet talks indicate that the NDA is prioritising proportional representation. The aim, according to a top Bihar BJP leader, is to reflect not only caste diversity but also gender parity, in line with the alliance’s broader narrative of inclusive governance.

What leadership arrangement signals

The selection of Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha as potential deputy chief ministers is widely interpreted as a signal of trust within the BJP–JD(U) partnership. Their elevation may also reflect a deliberate choice by the NDA to balance caste interests and reward regional influence.

Choudhary, in particular, is seen as a key bridge between upper-caste constituencies and the rest of the alliance. Hindustan Times has previously reported that raising his status signals the BJP’s intention to retain upper-caste loyalty while working with Nitish’s stronger base among EBCs.

Meanwhile, JD(U) is likely to retain control over some critical portfolios, which could help maintain its political identity even within the NDA framework. According to sources, this balance is also intended to mitigate potential frictions and ensure stability in the new government’s functioning.

Preparations for swearing-in

Preparations for the oath-taking are in full swing. The NDA has reportedly finalised the venue logistics, security arrangements and guest list, with top national leaders expected to lend significant weight to the event. The formal cabinet meeting before the swearing-in is expected to formalise the allocation of portfolios. According to media reports, the outgoing cabinet will hold a final session before Nitish’s swearing-in.

At the same time, some sources suggest potential surprises in the final line-up. Names from smaller alliance partners and underrepresented caste groups may still feature, as the NDA aims to deliver a socially representative cabinet.