Nitish Kumar Sworn In As Bihar Chief Minister For A Historic 9th Time, Marking A Remarkable Return
This remarkable move by Nitish Kumar followed his resignation earlier in the day from the chief ministerial position
In a historic turn of events, Bihar witnessed the swearing-in of Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister for an unprecedented ninth term, marking a triumphant return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alongside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The oath-taking ceremony, held in Patna, was a significant political spectacle attended by key BJP leaders and NDA allies.
This remarkable move by Nitish Kumar followed his resignation earlier in the day from the chief ministerial position, bringing an end to his governance within the Grand Alliance. The Grand Alliance, comprising Kumar's Janata Dal (United), the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Congress, grappled with internal strife, primarily centered around corruption allegations against RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The escalating tensions eventually led Kumar to sever ties with the RJD and Congress.
The political landscape in Bihar underwent a seismic shift as Nitish Kumar re-entered the NDA fold after an 18-month hiatus. During this period, he led a government in coalition with the RJD and Congress. However, the fractures within the Grand Alliance, exacerbated by the corruption charges against Tejashwi Yadav, compelled Kumar to reconsider his political alignment.
The oath-taking ceremony not only symbolized Nitish Kumar's return to the NDA but also underscored the renewed alliance with the BJP. The event was attended by prominent BJP leaders, highlighting the consolidation of forces within Bihar politics.
Amidst these political maneuvers, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Samrat Choudhary also took the oath as a minister in the newly formed Bihar government. Choudhary, who assumed the role of state BJP chief on March 27, 2023, has been a notable figure within the party, previously serving as the BJP leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council. His inclusion in the cabinet adds another layer to the evolving political dynamics in Bihar.
Earlier in the day, Nitish Kumar formally resigned from the chief ministerial position, citing discord within the ruling alliance as the primary catalyst for his decision. Expressing dissatisfaction with the prevailing circumstances, Kumar announced his intention to forge a new alliance, thereby setting the stage for the unfolding political dynamics in Bihar.
The return of Nitish Kumar to the NDA marks a significant chapter in Bihar's political narrative, with implications for the state's governance and the broader national political landscape. As the new government takes shape, the spotlight will remain on the alliance's cohesion and the policies that will shape Bihar's trajectory under this renewed leadership.
