Bihar will get a new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government on Thursday, November 20, as JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar takes oath as chief minister for the tenth time. The 74-year-old leader will be sworn in at the iconic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, marking another milestone in his nearly two-decade political journey.

Nitish formally claimed the right to form the next government on Wednesday after NDA MLAs elected him as their legislature party leader. The BJP also finalised its leadership, choosing Samrat Choudhary as the head of its legislature party and Vijay Kumar Sinha as his deputy.

Top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, are expected to attend the ceremony, scheduled for 11:30 am.

Nitish Resigns, Then Stakes Claim Again

Nitish Kumar resigned as chief minister on Wednesday, completing a routine procedure before forming a new NDA government. Later the same day, he met Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and staked claim to lead the next administration after the alliance’s sweeping victory in the Bihar assembly elections.

Swearing-In at Historic Venue

The oath ceremony will take place at Gandhi Maidan at 11:30 am. This will be Nitish’s fourth oath-taking at the same venue since 2005. The event is expected to draw a massive crowd.

Tight Security Across Patna

Authorities have deployed a heavy security force for the high-profile ceremony. The SPG is supervising arrangements. Patna police have set up a special monitoring team at the control room, using drones to track the movement inside the Maidan.

Around 128 CCTV cameras have been installed, and over 2,500 security personnel, 250 police officers, and more than 250 magistrates are on duty. Snipers are stationed on nearby high-rise buildings.

Roads around the Maidan have been barricaded, and metal detectors have been placed at all entry gates. Traffic restrictions remain in place across the routes leading to the venue. A senior BJP leader estimated that more than three lakh people may attend.

Top Political Leaders to Attend

Several senior leaders are expected in Patna for the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president JP Nadda, and Andhra Pradesh's key NDA ally Chandrababu Naidu are among the confirmed attendees. Home minister Amit Shah will also be present.

Other possible guests include Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh, Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and the chief ministers of other NDA-ruled states.

Buzz Around Deputy Chief Minister Posts

Since Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were chosen as the BJP’s leader and deputy leader in the assembly, they are expected to continue as Bihar’s deputy chief ministers. According to an ABP report, BJP’s Mangal Pandey is also being considered.

Mystery Over Assembly Speaker

The post of Bihar assembly speaker is still undecided. BJP’s Nand Kishore Yadav held the role in the outgoing government. Both the BJP and JD(U) want the position.

Front-runners include BJP’s Prem Kumar and JD(U)’s Vijay Chowdhary. JD(U)’s Narendra Narayan Yadav, who served as deputy speaker earlier, is also in the race.

Race for Key Ministries

Both JD(U) and BJP are eyeing the crucial home portfolio, previously with the JD(U). The education department, also with the JD(U) last term, is another area of negotiation.

Cabinet Formation in Final Stage

NDA leaders met on Wednesday to finalise ministerial lists and portfolio allocation. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will receive the final list on Thursday morning. Ministers may or may not be sworn in on the same day, as the decision has not been confirmed yet.

According to PTI, the Cabinet may include 16 BJP ministers and 14 from JD(U). Five to six new faces are expected from both parties. While JD(U) is likely to retain its existing ministers, BJP may introduce three new names while keeping most of its current team.

Representation for Smaller NDA Partners

Smaller allies are also likely to receive representation, with one ministerial berth for every six MLAs. RLM and HAM(S) may get one berth each, while Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV) is expected to get three. The remaining 30–31 positions will go to BJP and JD(U). Bihar can have up to 36 ministers, including the chief minister.

NDA Sweeps Bihar Elections

The NDA achieved a dominant victory in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, winning 202 of the 243 seats. The Mahagathbandhan managed only 36. The BJP emerged as the single largest party, securing 89 seats.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM won five seats, while Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party failed to open its account.