Nitish Kumar stakes claim to form government in Bihar; oath ceremony today | Updates

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has accepted Nitish Kumar's resignation as Bihar Chief Minister. He has, however, been asked to continue as caretaker chief minister until a new government is formed.  

BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav said Nitish Kumar has been unanimously elected as the leader of NDA legislative party once again. He said development of Bihar will be on top of the agenda in Bihar government.

Nitish Kumar has resigned as Bihar Chief Minister after meeting Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. He also submitted claim to form a new government in Bihar. 

Nitish Kumar has reached Raj Bhawan to stake claim to form government in Bihar. This came after he was unanimously chosen as the leader of NDA legislative party. LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan and RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha also reached the Governor's house along with Kumar. 

Union Minister and LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan said efforts will be made to fulfil promises made in the sankalp patra. He hailed PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar after the NDA’s massive victory in Bihar Assembly Election 2025.  

LJP(RV) chief Nitish Kumar on Wednesday hailed Nitish Kumar during the NDA legislative party meeting. He said Kumar was a fearless leader and he had never brought anyone from the family into politics.   

Nitish Kumar will shortly meet governor to stake claim to form the government in Bihar after being chosen as NDA legislative party leader in Patna meeting. 

Nitish Kumar has been unanimously chosen as NDA legislative party leader after coalition’s key meeting in Patna.  

NDA legislative party meeting has begun in Patna. 

Bihar acting CM Nitish Kumar has arrived at the Bihar Vidhan Sabha in Patna for the NDA meeting. He is likely to be elected as NDA’s legislative party leader.

Supporters of Rohini Acharya have gathered outside the RJD office in Patna to hold a protest against party MLC Sunil Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav. The duo has been accused of disrespecting Acharya.    

JDU MLA Zama Khan said Nitish Kumar has done a good job in the last 20 years and Bihar is set to witness progress under his leadership.  

On Bihar election results, Minister Avinash Gehlot said, "The opposition’s fake propaganda failed before PM Modi and Nitish Kumar. They knew it well in advance, and instead of questioning their own leaders, they started blaming SIR and EVMs to cover up their defeat."

After being elected as the leader of the Bihar BJP legislature party, Samrat Choudhary said," I thank the party leadership and all MLAs who have again given me a chance to lead the party. The people have expressed their faith in the BJP, and the party will try to meet their expectations."

The supporters of Rohini Acharya to protest outside the RJD office in Patna today. They will protest against Sanjay Yadav (friend/advisor of Tejashwi Yadav) on Wednesady (November 19). 

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " I congratulate Samrat ji and Vijay Sinha ji. The NDA government will be formed tomorrow. The good faith with which the public voted for us, with the same faith, we will work for Bihar's progress."

BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal said, "Every Bihar BJP worker is with the decision taken today...The people of Bihar have rejected the 'Ghuspetiya Bachao Abhiyaan'. As a result, infiltrators will also be removed from West Bengal. We will win with a huge majority in West Bengal as well."

Union Minister Chirag Paswan said, "The NDA has achieved a historic victory and the people of Bihar have reposed their complete faith in the NDA. As grand as this victory is, our swearing-in ceremony, which will also include the presence of the Prime Minister, will be equally grand. I believe that as great as this victory is, so great is our responsibility. They (Mahagathbandhan) finished their party in Bihar by talking about this (vote chori) and now they will be finished in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu."

In a unanimous decision at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislative party meeting held on Wednesday, Samrat Choudhary was elected as the leader of the BJP legislative party in Bihar, while Vijay Kumar Sinha was chosen as the deputy leader. The proposal to elect Choudhary was put forward by a group of BJP legislators including Prem Kumar, Ram Kripal Yadav, Krishna Kumar Rishi, Sangeeta Kumari, Arun Shankar, Mithilesh Tiwari, Nitin Nabin, Virendra Kumar, Rama Nishad, Manoj Sharma and Krishna Kumar.

After attending BJP's legislature meeting in Patna, UP Deputy CM and party leader Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "As the leader of the legislative party, Samrat Choudhary, and as the deputy leader, Vijay Kumar Sinha, have been unanimously elected. From the Bharatiya Janata Party's side, this pairing is a perfect fit..."

"I announce the names of Samrat Choudhary as the leader of the BJP legislature party and Vijay Kumar Sinha as the deputy leader," said BJP's Central Observer for the election of the leader of the legislative party in Bihar, KP Maurya.

In the JD-U legislative party meeting, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary proposed the name of Nitish Kumar for the party leadership. The proposal was seconded by Vijendra Yadav. Following this, Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the JD(U) legislative party. This election paves the way for Nitish Kumar to continue his leadership as Bihar Chief Minister for a record tenth term. The unanimous support from party members underscores his strong position within JD(U) and the National Democratic Alliance ahead of the formation of the new Bihar government.

(With inputs from Rajesh Kumar) 

BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha to continue as Deputy Chief Ministers in Bihar. They will take oath as Dy CMs tomorrow. 

The legislative party meeting of JD-U is currently over in Patna. Now, leaders of Janata Dal-United will go to attend National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party meeting in Bihar on Wednesday (November 19). 

BJP's Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP's Central Observer for the election of the leader of the legislative party in Bihar, KP Maurya, arrive for the legislature party meeting.

JD(U) leader Zama Khan on reports of him being likely getting a ministerial berth in the new Bihar government said, "We'll follow the directive of our senior leaders."

https://x.com/PTI_News/status/1991024039339700282

JD-U chief Nitish Kumar has been elected as the leader of JD-U legislative party in Patna on Wednesday (November 19). 

Ahead of legislature party meeting, JD(U) leader Manorama Devi said, "It is a very good day for Bihar. Our guardian is Nitish Kumar ji, and he will work for everyone's welfare."

BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said, "The NDA government has been formed in Bihar. With the blessings of PM Modi, under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, we fought a great election. And now, before the NDA, there will be a meeting of the BJP legislative party... And then there will be an NDA meeting. The leader will be elected in that. The NDA government is going to be formed in Bihar. People are very happy; most of the people are happy because people are relaxed that Jungle Raj Part 2 has not come, and our opponents have no option. They are blaming EVMs, SIR, and we are thanking the public."

BJP MLA Prem Kumar said, "The people have put a stamp on development. In the last two decades in Bihar, the government has worked in every sector, whether it is women empowerment, employment, drinking water... people appreciated the schemes of the government for poor people, farmers, youth of the state."

BJP's winning candidate from Bankipur assembly constituency, Nitin Nabin, said, "We all will work towards the progress of Bihar. Gandhi Maidan will become a witness to the resolution of development tomorrow."

BJP leader Tarkishore Prasad arrives for the legislature party meeting. He said, "Our legislative party leader will be selected through consensus."

BJP leader Lakhendra Paswan said, "There is a meeting of the legislature... certainly, the leader of the legislative party will be elected in the meeting. Today is a historic day for BJP workers, for supporters..."

BJP's newly elected MLA from Alinagar constituency, folk singer Maithili Thakur said, "I will follow the order of the party. I am very happy that I got this opportunity. There is a lot of work to be done after the oath-taking ceremony."

Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal said, "There's a meeting of the legislative party of BJP and JDU. Everyone will elect their leader. Then, at 3:30 pm, in the Central Hall of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, after selecting the NDA leader, Nitish Kumar will go to the governor and stake his claim to form the government. The oath-taking ceremony is being held in a very festive atmosphere. It is a matter of great pride for us that PM Modi will also be present at the swearing-in ceremony. In this oath-taking ceremony, more than 2 lakh voters of Bihar will also witness this historic moment."

JD-U MP Sanjay Jha said, "Today at 11 AM, there is the JDU legislative party where CM Nitish Kumar will be chosen as the leader of the legislative party. At 3 pm, there will be a meeting of the NDA. Tomorrow at 11:30 am at Gandhi Maidan, the oath ceremony will take place. There is a great enthusiasm across the nation over the Bihar results."

BJP leader Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, who has been appointed as BJP's co-observer for the election of the leader of the legislative party in Bihar, said, "People have shown faith in CM Nitish Kumar and PM Modi and given us a huge mandate. I thank all the party workers as well. No one can put the allegation of corruption or pariwarvaad... Our central leadership had already taken the decision on the CM face."

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who has been appointed as the BJP's Central Observer for the election of the leader of the legislative party in Bihar, said, "You will get to know whatever happens. Bihar and the country will progress, and the NDA will remain strong."

On the oath-taking ceremony in Bihar, Union Minister Raj Bhushan Choudhary said, "... The PM himself will be coming along with all the leaders of the NDA and CMs. The way Bihar has developed under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and all the work he has done in the double-engine government, congratulations to him."

Preparations are in full swing for the swearing-in ceremony of Bihar’s new government, with Nishant Kumar, son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, set to attend as his father takes oath for a record tenth term at Gandhi Maidan on November 20. Expressing gratitude to the people of Bihar for their trust and congratulating NDA allies on their victory, Nishant vowed to be present at the ceremony to welcome dignitaries and celebrate the NDA’s strong mandate. He recently met his father at the Chief Minister’s official residence, with their meeting gaining attention across social media. The oath-taking event, expected to draw a massive crowd of nearly three lakh people, will see the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and several prominent central ministers and chief ministers from various states. Nitish Kumar, joined by key NDA leaders and top officials, has personally inspected Gandhi Maidan to ensure flawless arrangements for the grand occasion, highlighting the organizational efforts and excitement leading up to this historic political moment for the st​

Ahead of the new Bihar government formation, a list of probable ministers from different NDA allies has emerged, showcasing the coalition's attempt to balance caste, community, and regional interests. From the BJP quota, expected ministers include Samrat Chaudhary (Kushwaha), Vijay Kumar Sinha (Bhumihar), Mangal Pandey and Nitish Mishra (Brahmin), Nitin Nabin (Kayastha), Renu Devi and Hari Sahni (Extremely Backward Class), Neeraj Kumar Bablu (Rajput), Sanjay Sarawagi (Vaishya), and Rajnish Kumar (Bhumihar). The JD(U) quota features Vijay Kumar Chaudhary (Bhumihar), Vijendra Yadav (Yadav), Shravan Kumar (Kurmi), Ashok Chaudhary (Dalit-Pasi), Ratnesh Sada (Dalit-Musahar), Sunil Kumar (Dalit-Ravidas), Shyam Rajak (Dalit-Dhobi), Jama Khan (Muslim), Lesi Singh (Rajput), and Damodar Rawat (Extremely Backward Class). From LJP (R) comes Raju Tiwari (Brahmin), from Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM), Santosh Kumar Suman, and from Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLMD) Snehlata Kushwaha (Kushwaha) are poised to take ministerial roles. This lineup reflects NDA’s strategy to include representatives from key caste groups and communities to maintain their broad-based appeal and political stability in Bihar.

BJP MP Satish Chandra Dubey said, "The NDA has got a massive mandate in the state. PM Modi will be attending the swearing-in function. Mahagathbandhan blame the EVM when they lose but when they win everything is fine."

On the oath-taking ceremony in Bihar, Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey said, "We have had a huge victory in Bihar. There is an atmosphere of joy. Several leaders will come and attend the ceremony... The central leadership will decide who will be the Deputy CM and Cabinet Ministers..."

Reacting to the NDA’s victory, Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor alleged the JD(U) benefited from government cash transfers ahead of the polls, claiming their tally would have been much lower otherwise. Kishor also stated he would quit politics should the NDA fulfill its promise of providing Rs 2 lakh each to 1.5 crore women for self-employment. Meanwhile, tensions continue within former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad’s family, as his daughter Rohini Acharya, who donated a kidney to him, faced accusations and responded by challenging critics to donate kidneys themselves. She denounced those questioning her motives and called out detractors on social media after the RJD's electoral setback.​

Intensive negotiations are underway within the NDA to finalise cabinet portfolios and reach a consensus on the post of Assembly Speaker, with both the BJP and JD(U) staking claims. The NDA coalition scored a landslide win, securing 202 of Bihar’s 243 assembly seats- BJP won 89, JD(U) 85, with allies LJP (RV), HAM, and RLM also contributing to the tally.​

The grand swearing-in at Gandhi Maidan will see Nitish Kumar take oath as Chief Minister for an unprecedented tenth term, alongside several ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, multiple Union Ministers, BJP National President JP Nadda, and chief ministers from various NDA-ruled states. Security in Patna, especially around the venue, has been heightened in preparation for the large crowd expected to exceed three lakh attendees.​

NDA victory and government formation

Nitish Kumar is all set to be chosen as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday, paving the way for the formation of a new Bihar government under his leadership on November 20. Kumar will first be elected leader of the JD(U) legislature party at 11 am., followed by his selection as NDA leader at 3:30 pm., after which he will resign as head of the outgoing government and present a letter of support from all NDA allies to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. The assembly will be dissolved on the same day.​