Nitish Kumar - Pawan Chamling Indias Longest Serving CM Record
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again created history by taking the oath for the 10th time, a rare milestone in Indian politics. With this new swearing-in, Nitish has once again proved that he continues to be one of the most enduring and adaptable leaders in the country’s political landscape. However, even after taking oath so many times, Nitish still does not hold the record of India’s longest serving Chief Minister.
That title belongs to Pawan Chamling, the former Chief Minister of Sikkim.
In this article, we break down Nitish Kumar’s political journey, the significance of his 10th oath ceremony, and also explain why Chamling still holds the unmatched record. We also bring you a detailed list of India’s longest-serving CMs.
Nitish Kumar’s Political Journey: A Story of Longevity & Reinvention
Nitish Kumar first became the Chief Minister of Bihar in 2000, though that term lasted only a few days. But the real turnaround came in 2005, when he returned to power with a strong mandate, focusing on governance, law and order, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure.
Over the years, Nitish has shown a rare ability to reinvent himself politically. He has switched alliances multiple times — from NDA to Mahagathbandhan and back — yet managed to retain his central position in Bihar’s politics. This flexibility, combined with his strong governance image, has helped him stay relevant for over two decades.
His 10th oath ceremony showcases not just political survival, but the trust different alliances and parties have placed in him at various phases. Few leaders in India have managed to stay at the top of state politics for such a long duration.
Why Nitish Kumar Doesn’t Hold the Longest Serving CM Record
Even though Nitish has taken oath more times than almost any other Indian Chief Minister, his total tenure in years is still behind several long-serving CMs.
The leader who still holds the unmatched record is Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for more than 24 years, from December 1994 to May 2019. This makes him the longest-serving CM not only in India but among the longest-serving elected leaders in the democratic world.
Nitish Kumar, by comparison, has served around 18+ years in total. This is still remarkable, but not enough to surpass Chamling’s milestone.
Pawan Chamling: The CM Who Set an Unbreakable Record
Pawan Chamling’s tenure is unique. He led the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) for nearly two and a half decades, winning election after election with huge margins. His leadership focused on:
- Stability
- Environmental protection
- Expansion of tourism
- Social welfare
- Rural development
Chamling’s long run is considered a combination of political stability and strong regional leadership — something that is rare in Indian state politics, where coalitions, defections, and leadership changes are common.
Other Longest-Serving Chief Ministers in India
Here’s a detailed list of India’s longest-serving CMs based on total years in office:
1. Pawan Kumar Chamling – Sikkim
Tenure: 24 years, 165 days
Record: Longest-serving CM in Indian history.
2. Jyoti Basu – West Bengal
Tenure: 23 years
A Marxist leader who shaped West Bengal’s political narrative for decades.
3. Gegong Apang – Arunachal Pradesh
Tenure: 22 years
Known for being one of the most influential tribal leaders in the Northeast.
4. Naveen Patnaik – Odisha
Tenure: 20+ years
Still serving, with one of the strongest political images in the country.
5. Nitish Kumar – Bihar
Tenure: 18+ years (across multiple terms)
Though he has taken oath 10 times, his total duration is still behind Chamling, Basu, and Apang.
6. Prakash Singh Badal – Punjab
Tenure: 18 years
Respected for his long involvement in Punjab’s politics.
These leaders stand out not only because of their long years in office but for how they shaped regional politics and delivered continuity in governance.
Significance of Nitish Kumar’s 10th Oath
Nitish’s fresh oath-taking carries political and symbolic importance:
- It highlights his continuing influence in Bihar’s politics.
- It shows he remains a key player in national coalition strategies.
- It adds to his image of a leader who can adapt to shifting political landscapes.
- It shows the trust his allies continue to place in him.
While the record of the longest-serving CM still belongs to Pawan Chamling, Nitish’s achievement is unique because no other CM in India has taken oath ten separate times.
Will Nitish Ever Break the Record?
To surpass Pawan Chamling, Nitish Kumar would need to remain CM for several more years without interruption. Given the dynamic nature of Bihar’s politics, this remains uncertain. However, Nitish’s ability to bounce back repeatedly means nothing can ever be ruled out.
Conclusion
Nitish Kumar’s 10th oath ceremony is a historic milestone, reinforcing his status as one of India’s most durable political leaders. But despite this achievement, Pawan Chamling’s 24-year uninterrupted tenure continues to stand strong as the benchmark for political longevity in India.
Nitish may not hold the longest-serving CM record, but he does hold another unique distinction — being the only Indian leader to take oath as Chief Minister ten times, a feat unlikely to be matched anytime soon.
