Nitish Kumar, 74, has been sworn in as Bihar’s Chief Minister nine times, and following the NDA’s resounding victory, preparations are underway for his tenth swearing-in. Over his decades-long career, he has navigated alliances, resignations, and political upheavals, becoming one of India’s most enduring political leaders.
A Timeline of Nitish Kumar’s Terms as Chief Minister
- First term: March 2000, lasted only seven days.
- Second term: November 2005, completed full term.
- Third term: November 2010.
- Fourth term: February 2015, returned after Jitan Ram Manjhi’s brief tenure.
- Fifth term: November 2015, under the Grand Alliance (RJD and Congress).
- Sixth term: July 2017, rejoined NDA.
- Seventh term: November 2020, continued with NDA.
- Eighth term: August 2022, formed a Grand Alliance with RJD.
- Ninth term: January 2024, returned to NDA.
Breaking Records: Most Sworn-In Chief Minister in India
While Nitish Kumar ranks ninth in total tenure with nearly 19 years in office, he holds the national record for taking the oath as Chief Minister the most times in India—10 times.
India’s Longest-Serving Chief Ministers
- Pawan Kumar Chamling (Sikkim): 24 years, 165 days
- Naveen Patnaik (Odisha): 24 years, 99 days
- Jyoti Basu (West Bengal): 23 years, 137 days
- Gegong Apang (Arunachal Pradesh): 22 years, 250 days
- Lal Thanhawla (Mizoram): 22 years, 60 days
- Virbhadra Singh (Himachal Pradesh): 21 years, 13 days
- Manik Sarkar (Tripura): 19 years, 363 days
- M. Karunanidhi (Tamil Nadu): 18 years, 362 days
- Nitish Kumar (Bihar): ~19 years, record 10 oaths
- Parkash Singh Badal (Punjab): 18 years, 350 days
Nitish Kumar’s political resilience and adaptability have allowed him to maintain a prominent role in Bihar’s governance and national politics, making him a unique figure in Indian political history.
Also Read: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s Historic Campaign: 84 Rallies and 1,000 km Travel Promoting Welfare Schemes
