Bihar new govt: Nitish resigns as CM today, likely to return tomorrow but ‘surprises’ possible; suspense over dy CM

By Admin

19 Nov, 2025

Bihar’s political landscape has entered yet another dramatic chapter as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to resign on November 19 to facilitate the formation of a new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Though there is no official confirmation, leaders from within the alliance have strongly hinted that Nitish Kumar will return as Chief Minister once again marking what could be his 10th term in office. However, “surprise elements” in the cabinet formation and uncertainty over the deputy chief minister’s post have fuelled curiosity and speculation across the state.

A New Government, But a Familiar Face

The Janata Dal (United) chief will step down as the head of the outgoing government, paving the way for the new NDA administration led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and JD(U). Nitish Kumar met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan earlier this week to discuss the cabinet’s recommendation to dissolve the current legislative assembly. According to JD(U) minister Vijay Kumar Chowdhary, Nitish will formally submit his resignation today, kickstarting the transition process.

The oath-taking ceremony for the new government is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The event is set to be one of the grandest ever, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union ministers, and chief ministers from NDA-ruled states expected to attend.

Key Legislature Meetings to Decide Leadership and Roles

While the political atmosphere strongly suggests Nitish Kumar’s return as Chief Minister, final confirmation is expected today during the legislature party meetings of both the BJP and JD(U). These meetings will also offer clarity on the deputy chief minister’s position a matter that has drawn considerable attention.

In the outgoing government, two deputy chief ministers served: Samrat Choudhury and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Whether the new cabinet will continue with two deputies or switch to one remains an open question. A BJP functionary said representation in terms of gender and caste will be important factors in this decision. Reports suggest JD(U) may be inclined toward having only one deputy CM if the BJP takes the Speaker’s post.

Possible Surprises in the New Cabinet

A senior NDA leader revealed that the new cabinet may include some “surprise elements,” reflecting a blend of experienced leaders and youthful faces. With a massive mandate in hand, the alliance is reportedly aiming for a cabinet that balances social representation and administrative efficiency.

Cabinet Formation: The Numbers

To maintain balanced representation, the NDA is considering a ratio of one ministerial berth per six MLAs. With 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly and a constitutional cap of 36 ministers, this formula suggests the following distribution:

• RLM: 1 berth
  
  

• HAM(S): 1 berth
  
  

• LJP (Ram Vilas): 3 berths
  
  

• Remaining 30–31 berths to be shared between BJP and JD(U)
  
  

Portfolio negotiations are underway, with both parties eyeing key ministries such as Home and Education both of which were held by the JD(U) in the outgoing term.

Nitish Kumar’s Political Milestone

If Nitish Kumar takes oath tomorrow, it will mark his 10th stint as Chief Minister, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the state’s history. Over the years, he has governed alongside six deputy chief ministers from both the BJP and the RJD. This will also be the fourth time the swearing-in ceremony takes place at Gandhi Maidan; the lone exception was during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

NDA’s Resounding Victory

The NDA swept the recent Bihar elections with an overwhelming majority, securing 202 out of 243 seats. The BJP won 89 seats, JD(U) secured 85, LJP(RV) clinched 19, HAM(S) took 5, and RLM secured 4. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and Congress, was reduced to just 35 seats a significant setback.

What Comes Next?

With Nitish Kumar’s resignation today and the new government’s oath-taking set for tomorrow, Bihar is on the brink of another political reconfiguration. As alliance leaders meet to finalize leadership roles, portfolios, and possible surprises, all eyes remain on Patna’s Gandhi Maidan where the direction of the state’s political future will unfold.