Patna: Bihar is set to witness a major political moment today as Nitish Kumar takes oath as Chief Minister for the 10th time. A grand swearing-in ceremony has been organised at Gandhi Maidan, where top national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be present.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, and several senior BJP leaders have already reached the venue. PM Modi is scheduled to arrive shortly via helicopter. Chief ministers of Haryana, Assam, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland, Odisha, Delhi, and Rajasthan have also arrived in Patna for the event. Security at Gandhi Maidan has been taken over by the SPG.
Samrat Choudhary & Vijay Kumar Sinha to Become Deputy CMs
Along with Nitish Kumar, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha will take oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. Sources indicate that a total of 18 ministers may be sworn in today — 7 from JD(U), 8 from BJP, and one each from LJP(R), RLSP (RLM), and HAM.
JD(U) Ministers Likely Finalised
Phone calls have been made to JD(U) legislators shortlisted to join the cabinet. Senior leaders and close aides of Nitish Kumar — Vijay Chaudhary, Lesi Singh, Shravan Kumar, Jama Khan, Ashok Chaudhary, and Bijendra Yadav — are expected to take oath as ministers.
BJP’s New Faces to Join Cabinet
From the BJP, newly elected MLA Ramkripal Yadav, who defeated a strong criminal-turned-politician in Danapur, has been called for the oath ceremony. Jamtara MLA Shreyasi Singh has also received confirmation and is almost certain to become a minister.
Additionally, Deepak Prakash, son of Upendra Kushwaha, is confirmed for a cabinet berth.
Prem Kumar to be the Speaker
The post of Assembly Speaker has gone to the BJP. Senior party leader Dr. Prem Kumar will take charge as Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
Nitish Kumar has already reached Gandhi Maidan, and the ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM.