Patna/New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Ending a week-long period of speculation, JD(U) president Nitish Kumar did another political somersault on Sunday, this time securing the backing of the BJP and re-appointing himself as Chief Minister by taking the oath for a record ninth time to lead the Bihar Government.

Eighteen months ago, Nitish had parted ways with the BJP, despite winning the 2020 Assembly elections as part of the NDA coalition.

He joined the RJD-Congress coalition in August 2022, leading the Government with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav as his deputy.

After Nitish's coronation, Tejashwi said it marked the end of Nitish style of politics and the demise of JD(U) in Bihar.

Governor Rajendra Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy at...