Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was sworn in for a record 10th term today at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, the very venue where Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan launched his epochal ‘Total Revolution’ on June 5, 1974, against the Congress regime’s corruption and misgovernance—a movement that galvanized the nation and led to Indira Gandhi’s 1977 defeat. JD(U) leader KC Tyagi captured the moment’s symbolism: “Bihar showed the nation a path from Gandhi Maidan in 1974; Nitish Kumar continues it today,” as the 1 PM ceremony amid NDA’s overwhelming 200+ seat victory in the 243-member assembly marked a poignant full circle from JP’s anti-establishment fervor to Kumar’s administrative consolidation.
Unanimous Election and Oath Ceremony
Kumar’s unanimous selection as NDA Legislature Party leader on November 19 followed a JD(U) Legislature Party meeting with new MLAs at his residence, with BJP’s Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha re-elected leader and deputy leader, respectively—poised to retain Deputy CM roles from the previous term. The oath, administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, saw Kumar flanked by allies, pledging “Sushasan 2.0” for jobs, migration reduction, and EBC uplift, attended by PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, and CMs Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Neiphiu Rio (Nagaland), Mohan Majhi (Odisha), and Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand). Saini congratulated “Modi and Nitish for the development mandate.”
Gandhi Maidan’s Revolutionary Resonance
Gandhi Maidan, witness to JP’s clarion call that united students and socialists against Emergency-era excesses, today hosted NDA’s triumph—67.14% turnout yielding BJP’s 88-90 seats, JD(U)’s 76-83, and allies’ 30+, contrasting Mahagathbandhan’s 40-54. Tyagi noted the irony: “Bihar led from here in 1974; Nitish embodies its evolution.” 1.25 crore Jeevika Didis (₹10K scheme beneficiaries) attended, with performances by Manoj Tiwari and Pawan Singh blending festivity and resolve.
Nitish’s Decade-Long Legacy
Kumar’s 10 oaths since 2005 (often as MLC) reflect resilience—thrice switching alliances (2005 NDA, 2015 RJD, 2022 NDA)—delivering reforms like prohibition, women’s aid, and infrastructure. NDA’s mandate affirms ‘Sushasan Babu”s focus amid Bihar’s challenges.
Bihar’s Symbolic Full Circle
From JP’s Gandhian socialism to Nitish’s pragmatic governance, Gandhi Maidan crowns Bihar’s arc—oath at 1 PM IST symbolizing progress from revolution to stability.
