Nitish Kumar is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record tenth time today, following a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the recent assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, where over 20 ministers will also be sworn in, including 14 from the BJP and eight from Kumar's Janata Dal (United) party.

Kumar's political journey has been marked by numerous twists and turns. He first became Chief Minister in 2000 but resigned after just seven days due to a lack of majority. His significant breakthrough came in 2005 when he led the NDA to victory, ending Lalu Prasad Yadav's 15-year rule. Since then, he has held the position multiple times, switching alliances between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, showcasing his political adaptability.

Despite facing criticism and being labeled with nicknames like "Paltu Chacha" and "Kursi Kumar," Kumar has remained a dominant figure in Bihar politics. His ability to navigate through changing political landscapes has earned him a reputation as a master of survival. He has served under 14 governors, ranking third in this regard among Indian chief ministers.

Kumar's cabinet for this term will feature a mix of familiar faces and new members, with only three ministers returning from the previous cabinet. The inclusion of representatives from the Lok Janshakti Party, Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha indicates a broad coalition.

As he prepares for this new term, Kumar has expressed a commitment to stability, stating, "I assure you that I will not go here and there. I will stay with you only," referring to his alliance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Whether this promise holds true remains to be seen, but for now, Kumar's political journey continues as he embarks on his tenth term as Chief Minister of Bihar.