PATNA : Politics in Bihar witnessed another landmark moment on Wednesday as Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislature party, paving the way for him to assume office as Chief Minister for an extraordinary tenth term. The decision came after a series of coordinated meetings held in the state capital, demonstrating the alliance’s unity and confidence in Kumar’s leadership as it prepares to form the next government.
The announcement was made by senior JD(U) leader and state minister Shrawon Kumar, who informed the media shortly after the alliance partners completed their internal deliberations. According to him, the unanimous endorsement from all members of the NDA reinforced Kumar’s position as the coalition’s most acceptable and experienced face in Bihar politics.
Nitish Kumar, who has been a dominant figure in the state’s political landscape for nearly two decades, will be sworn in during a grand ceremony at the iconic Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Thursday. The venue has been the site of several important political events in the state’s history, and Thursday’s swearing-in is expected to draw national attention due to the significance of his tenth term — an achievement unparalleled in contemporary Indian state politics.
Alliance Partners Back Nitish Kumar Without Contest
The proposal to appoint Nitish Kumar as the NDA leader was formally moved by JD(U) veteran Vijay Choudhary, who has long been one of Kumar’s most trusted colleagues. The BJP’s top state leaders — Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha — immediately backed the proposal, signalling complete alignment within the BJP–JD(U) bloc, which forms the core of the alliance.
Notably, other partners within the NDA — including the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led legislators, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) — also seconded the proposal. Their participation reflects the broader support that Kumar continues to enjoy within the coalition, even as party strengths shift with each election.
Shrawon Kumar emphasised that the smooth, unanimous selection process illustrated the alliance’s commitment to stable governance. “All partners expressed their confidence in Nitish ji’s leadership and his ability to steer Bihar with experience, balance and vision,” he noted.
JD(U) Legislature Party Also Reaffirms Confidence
Ahead of the NDA meeting, the JD(U) itself held a separate session at ‘Samvad’, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Patna, where all newly elected MLAs and 22 Legislative Council members participated. In this meeting, Nitish Kumar was first chosen as the JD(U) legislature party leader — a necessary internal step before assuming the broader role of NDA leader.
According to Shrawon Kumar, the JD(U) proposal naming Nitish Kumar was introduced jointly by Vijay Choudhary and Umesh Kushwaha. The proposal was supported by long-time JD(U) stalwart Bijendra Yadav, followed by endorsements from the party’s working national president Sanjay Jha and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan’. The unified support within the JD(U) set the tone for the consensus that emerged later in the NDA meeting.
NDA Returns to Power with Comfortable Majority
The 2025 Bihar Assembly results delivered a strong mandate to the NDA, which won 202 out of 243 seats, ensuring a comfortable return to power. The BJP emerged as the largest party in the coalition with 89 seats, followed closely by the JD(U), which secured 85 seats. Smaller partners also played pivotal roles, with the LJP(RV) winning 19, HAM securing 5, and RLM capturing 4 constituencies.
The coalition’s renewed majority indicates widespread public approval of its governance model, which has often centered around development policies, women’s empowerment, and social welfare. Analysts believe that Nitish Kumar’s image as a governance-focused leader remains a key asset for the alliance, particularly among rural and women voters.
A Remarkable Political Journey Continues
Nitish Kumar’s selection as NDA leader and his impending tenth swearing-in add another chapter to a political career that has shaped Bihar’s modern trajectory. Since first assuming office in 2005, Kumar has built a reputation for administrative reforms, improved law and order, and major infrastructure expansion, while also navigating turbulent political realignments with both national parties.
His ability to maintain relevance and authority in Bihar’s shifting political landscape is often attributed to his pragmatic approach — balancing social coalitions, addressing development deficits, and maintaining a reputation for accessibility and accountability.
Thursday’s ceremony will witness leaders from across political parties, senior bureaucrats, and thousands of supporters gather to mark the beginning of what many view as a defining term in Bihar’s political journey.
