Patna: The World Book of Records, London, recognised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's extraordinary achievement of taking oath as chief minister for the 10th time on Friday.

Janata Dal (United) national working president Sanjay Jha announced the milestone on X, describing it as a "truly rare distinction" in India's democratic history and a reflection of Kumar's unwavering public service, stable governance, and enduring public trust.

Kumar first became chief minister in 2000 but resigned within seven days after failing a floor test. Since 2005, he has held the post continuously except for a brief period in 2014 when he handed over to Jitan Ram Manjhi following poor Lok Sabha poll results.

His political career has featured alliances with both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. In 2015, Kumar formed a grand alliance with RJD's Lalu Prasad and Congress, taking oath for the fifth time before resigning in 2017 over corruption charges against Tejashwi Yadav and rejoining NDA for his sixth term within 24 hours.

After the 2020 polls, he took oath for the seventh time but exited NDA in 2022 over caste census tensions, rejoining RJD-Congress for the eighth term. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he quit Mahagathbandhan, citing unease and allied with NDA for the ninth oath, followed by the tenth after NDA's sweeping victory in recent assembly polls with 202 of 243 seats.

Jha noted the World Book of Records will formally include Kumar's name in its global listings, calling it a proud moment for Bihar and a testament to democratic strength.

With inputs from PTI