JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for an unprecedented ninth time. The Constitution outlines the appointment process, with Article 163(1) emphasizing the Council of Ministers’ role in aiding and advising the Governor. Article 164(1) grants the Governor the authority to appoint the Chief Minister, who, in turn, recommends other Ministers.
Appointment Procedure:
In the parliamentary system, the Governor typically appoints the leader of the majority party in the state legislative assembly as the Chief Minister. If no party holds a clear majority, the Governor can exercise discretion. The Chief Minister may be a member of either house of the state legislature and can be appointed for six months without legislative membership.
Oath Ceremony and Powers:
The Oath, administered by the Governor, is a formal commitment to uphold the constitution. The Chief Minister holds pivotal roles, advising the Governor on legislative sessions, serving as the Assembly head, recommending assembly dissolution, and acting as the zonal council’s vice-chairman.
Political Development:
JD(U) President Nitish Kumar’s ninth term follows a political realignment. In a surprise move for RJD, he formed a new government with the BJP, resigning from the Grand Alliance. Two BJP leaders, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.
Nitish Kumar as Union Minister: A Snapshot
In 1998–99, Nitish Kumar served as the Union Minister for Railways and later, the Minister for Agriculture in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s NDA government. Despite resigning in 1999 after the Gaisal train disaster, Kumar’s brief tenure saw notable reforms, including internet ticket booking, increased booking counters, and the introduction of the tatkal scheme for instant bookings.
Nitish Kumar’s Achievements:
- Anuvrat Puraskar (2017): Honored for enforcing a liquor ban in Bihar by Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha.
- JP Memorial Award (2013): Recognized by Nagpur’s Manav Mandir for significant contributions.
- Foreign Policy Magazine Recognition (2012): Ranked 77th among global thinkers.
- XLRI, Jamshedpur Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal (2011): Honored for fostering industrial and social peace.
- “MSN Indian of the Year 2010”: Acknowledged for outstanding contributions.
- NDTV Indian of the Year (2010 and 2009): Recognized in the Politics category.
- Forbes’ “India’s Person of the Year” (2010): Prestigious recognition for impactful roles.
- CNN-IBN “Indian of the Year Award” – Politics (2010 and 2008): Acknowledged for political leadership.
- Economics Times “Business Reformer of the Year 2009”: Recognized for governance reforms.
- Polio Eradication Championship Award (2009): Conferred by Rotary International for public health contributions.
- The Best Chief Minister (2007): Recognized by CNN-IBN and Hindustan Times State of the Nation Poll.
Nitish Kumar’s journey is not just political—it’s a tale of impactful efforts that have left an enduring mark on Bihar and beyond.
Conclusion:
Nitish Kumar’s return as Chief Minister underscores the dynamics of Indian politics, where alliances, leadership changes, and strategic decisions shape the course of governance. The political landscape in Bihar is set for new challenges and opportunities under Kumar’s ninth term.