Nitish Kumar’s Ten Oath-Takings: A Political Journey Through Bihar’s Shifting Landscape
Nitish Kumar stands as one of India’s most seasoned and adaptive political leaders. Few in modern Indian politics have taken oath as Chief Minister as many times as he has. With his 10th oath on 20 November 2025, he has set a rare record that reflects not only his political longevity but also the turbulent and dynamic nature of Bihar’s politics. Each of his oath ceremonies marked a new chapter—some following resounding mandates, others emerging from political crises, shifting alliances, or dramatic realignments. This article chronicles each oath-taking, the historical context, and how each ceremony shaped Bihar’s political trajectory.
1. First Oath – 3 March 2000: A Short-Lived Beginning
Nitish Kumar first took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar on 3 March 2000, marking his initial rise to the state’s top post. This was a period dominated by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Nitish’s government lasted barely seven days, as he could not prove majority in the Assembly. Though short-lived, this oath laid the foundation for his future politics and established him as a legitimate challenger to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s long rule.
This early stint was symbolic—he had arrived as a serious political force, ready to reshape Bihar.
2. Second Oath – 24 November 2005: A Historic Mandate
His real breakthrough came on 24 November 2005, when he took oath for the second time after the NDA secured a strong mandate. The ceremony at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, attended by thousands, marked the beginning of a new era.
This term is remembered for improving roads, restoring law and order, and making governance visible again in Bihar. Nitish Kumar started gaining national prominence as a development-focused leader.
3. Third Oath – 26 November 2010: The Peak of Popularity
After a sweeping victory in the 2010 Assembly elections with a strong NDA performance, Nitish took oath for the third time on 26 November 2010. This period is widely seen as the peak of his popularity.
Governance initiatives—like better public works, increased school enrollment through bicycle schemes, and women’s empowerment—earned Bihar recognition for fast growth. Nitish became a national symbol of good governance (“Sushasan Babu”).
4. Fourth Oath – 22 February 2015: Return Amid Political Crisis
Nitish Kumar resigned in 2014 taking moral responsibility for his party’s defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. Jitan Ram Manjhi replaced him, but soon a political crisis erupted.
On 22 February 2015, Nitish took oath again at Raj Bhavan, Patna, around 5 PM.
It was a decisive moment—he reclaimed his position in the middle of a party conflict and reset the course of Bihar’s governance.
5. Fifth Oath – 20 November 2015: The Mahagathbandhan Win
Just a few months after regaining power, Nitish led the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan)—JDU, RJD, and Congress—to a massive victory in the 2015 Assembly elections.
He took oath again on 20 November 2015 at Gandhi Maidan in a grand ceremony that symbolized unity against the BJP.
However, this unity was short-lived, and tensions with RJD would soon reshape Bihar’s politics once more.
6. Sixth Oath – 27 July 2017: Dramatic Midnight Realignment
In July 2017, Nitish resigned unexpectedly, citing corruption allegations against RJD ministers. Within hours, he formed a new alliance with the BJP.
On 27 July 2017, he took oath for the sixth time, marking one of the most dramatic political flip-flops in modern Indian politics.
This return to the NDA altered Bihar’s political chemistry and showcased Nitish’s flexibility in navigating coalition politics.
7. Seventh Oath – 16 November 2020: The Pandemic Election
Nitish took oath again on 16 November 2020 after the NDA retained power in a competitive election.
However, this term was different. JDU performed far weaker than the BJP, and Nitish’s political standing seemed to fade. Still, he continued as CM due to alliance dharma.
This period saw governance challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
8. Eighth Oath – 10 August 2022: Switch Back to RJD
In a sudden move, Nitish Kumar broke with the BJP again in August 2022 and formed a new government with RJD and Congress—repeating the political pattern of 2015.
On 10 August 2022, he took oath for the eighth time.
This shift was driven by concerns over alleged attempts by the BJP to weaken JDU internally. Nitish once again showed his ability to realign swiftly when political equations shifted.
9. Ninth Oath – 31 January 2024: Another Return to the NDA
Barely 18 months later, Nitish Kumar reversed course again, this time leaving the RJD-led alliance and returning to the NDA.
He took oath on 31 January 2024 for the ninth time.
This made national headlines and sparked discussions on Nitish’s political unpredictability. It also had implications for national politics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
10. Tenth Oath – 20 November 2025: A Record-Breaking Ceremony
Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister for an unprecedented 10th time on 20 November 2025, at Gandhi Maidan, around 11:30 AM.
The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, senior NDA leaders, and thousands of supporters.
This milestone underscored his remarkable political resilience. Few leaders in India—outside Tamil Nadu or Odisha—have held the CM’s office across so many terms, especially through shifting alliances and coalition complexities.
What Nitish Kumar’s Ten Oaths Reveal
Nitish Kumar’s political journey is a case study in adaptability, survival, and tactical alliance-building. His multiple oaths reveal:
1. Mastery over coalition politics
He has successfully navigated between NDA and Mahagathbandhan multiple times.
2. A unique ability to remain relevant
Even when his party weakened, he remained indispensable to Bihar’s coalition formations.
3. Bihar’s highly fragmented political landscape
Frequent realignments show how alliances—not just votes—determine governance.
4. Administrative competence and public image
Despite controversies, Nitish continues to command respect for governance reforms introduced between 2005 and 2013.
5. A legacy of political longevity
Taking oath 10 times makes him one of the most frequently sworn-in Chief Ministers in Indian history.
Conclusion
Nitish Kumar’s ten oath-taking ceremonies reflect not just his political journey but also the evolving identity of Bihar’s politics over the last 25 years. From a short-lived first term in 2000 to a record-setting 10th in 2025, his path illustrates resilience, strategic maneuvering, and a deep connection to Bihar’s socio-political fabric. Whether admired or criticized, Nitish Kumar’s legacy is now firmly etched as one of India’s most enduring political figures.
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