Nitish Kumar takes oath as CM for the ninth time:  A look at his eight previous terms

Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) leader, was re-elected as Bihar's chief minister for a ninth term on 28 January. Here's a look at his eight stints at the helm

This was the first time Nitish Kumar assumed the role of chief minister, with the Vajpayee government at the Centre. He, however, resigned within seven days in absence of a clear majority.

First term:  3 March, 2000 – 10 March, 2000

Nitish Kumar, with the support of his NDA partners, was sworn in as chief minister for the second time following a victory in the 2005 Bihar Assembly elections.

Second term: 24 November, 2005 – 24 November, 2010

Nitish Kumar returned to power as chief minister of Bihar in 2010, alongside his ally the BJP. But he resigned in the aftermath of his party's poor performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Third term:  26 November, 2010 – 17 May, 2014

In 2015, Nitish Kumar again assumed the chief ministerial post. But for a brief period, as it served as a transitional phase after Jitan Ram Manjhi's resignation.

Fourth term: 22 February, 2015 – 19 November, 2015

The Mahagathbandhan secured victory in the November 2015 Assembly election, and Nitish Kumar was sworn in for a record fifth time as chief minister, with Tejashwi Yadav as deputy chief minister.

Fifth term:  20 November, 2015 – 26 July, 2017

In 2017, corruption charges against Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav forced Nitish Kumar to resign. Subsequently, Nitish Kumar joined the NDA and regained the chief minister's office.

Sixth term:  27 July, 2017 – November 2020

The NDA won a majority of 125 seats, surpassing the Mahagathbandhan's 110. On 16 November, 2020, Nitish Kumar began his seventh term as chief minister.

Seventh term:  16 November, 2020 – 2022

A political twist unfolded on 9 August, 2022, when Nitish Kumar cut off ties with the NDA, citing differences. He broke away and rejoined the Mahagathbandhan, which included RJD, INC, CPI, and others, and was sworn in for the eighth time as chief minister.

Eighth term: 9 August, 2022– 28 January 28, 2024

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