Patna: Patna is gearing up for what officials describe as a “grand” swearing-in ceremony for Bihar’s next chief minister, with access to the city’s iconic Gandhi Maidan fully restricted for four days. The ground has been placed under a tight security cordon from November 17–20, as administrative teams accelerate preparations for the high-profile political event.
NDA leaders have been holding back-to-back meetings at chief minister-designate Nitish Kumar’s residence, where discussions are under way to finalise the contours of the new government. Leaders from across allied parties have been arriving through the day as negotiations continue.
17 नवंबर से 20 नवंबर तक चार दिन गाँधी मैदान, पटना बंद रहेगा। इस दौरान आम लोगों के प्रवेश पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध रहेगा।@BiharHomeDept @UDHDBIHAR @cityofpatna @PatnaPolice24x7 @patna_traffic
— District Administration Patna (@dm_patna) November 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Gandhi Maidan has turned into a high-activity zone. Workers are setting up tents, gates, stages and layered barricades, while officials draft separate plans for VVIP movement, traffic regulation, security deployment and media access. Morning walkers, local shopkeepers and residents of the surrounding areas have been asked to stay away until the preparations conclude.
The district magistrate and senior superintendent of police have urged the public to cooperate with the temporary restrictions. “These measures are necessary to maintain order and avoid any disruption during the ceremony,” officials said, emphasising that the arrangements reflect the scale of the event.
The swearing-in, likely to be held on November 20, is expected to draw senior political figures from across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to attend, along with chief ministers of BJP- and NDA-ruled states and key alliance leaders — a gathering that the coalition is keen to project as a show of strength.
Security agencies remain on high alert, with the administration saying it is fully prepared to ensure that the ceremony proceeds smoothly.
