Veteran politician Nitish Kumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record ninth time, marking his return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition. The oath-taking ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan in Patna, solidifying a major political shift in the eastern Indian state.
Alongside Kumar, eight other ministers also took their oaths, including key appointments from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, highlighting the BJP's significant role in the newly formed government. This move effectively ended the 'Mahagathbandhan' (Grand Alliance) government, which included the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress party.
The political realignment saw Kumar, who leads the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) party, exit the INDIA bloc—an opposition alliance he had helped form—and once again align with the BJP. His decision to switch alliances has been attributed to growing differences and discomfort within the Mahagathbandhan, particularly with the RJD.
Addressing the media after the ceremony, Kumar emphasized his commitment to Bihar's development and stability, stating that the new government would work tirelessly for the welfare of the people. The return to the NDA marks a full circle for Kumar, who has frequently navigated Bihar's complex political landscape by forming and dissolving alliances.
This political maneuver is expected to have significant implications for the upcoming general elections in India, as Bihar is a crucial state with 40 Lok Sabha seats. The consolidation of the NDA's strength in Bihar under Kumar's leadership will be closely watched by political observers across the nation.