Patna: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has firmed up plans for forming the next Bihar government, with Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar expected to take oath again as Chief Minister, according to coalition insiders.
Key Points of the Cabinet Formula
- Cabinet Composition: Under the negotiated formula, the BJP is set to receive 15 – 16 ministerial berths, JD(U) around 14, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) 3, and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) one each.
- Deputy Chief Ministers: The NDA is expected to appoint two deputy chief ministers one from the BJP and one from LJP (RV). LJP (RV) state president Raju Tiwari, who won from Govindganj, is likely to take one of the posts, while Ram Kripal Yadav (BJP), elected from Danapur, is being considered for the other.
- Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) is projected to retain the Chief Minister’s post, consolidating his position after the NDA’s sweeping victory.
Political Developments
Nitish Kumar convened a series of high level meetings at his Patna residence on Sunday with senior NDA leaders to finalise the power sharing arrangement. Among those in attendance were Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha.
According to senior BJP leaders, the cabinet berth allocation may mirror the ally wise distribution used in ticket sharing for the election. The formula appears designed to reflect both electoral strength and internal NDA dynamics: with 85 JD(U) MLAs, the party may secure 14 ministerial slots in addition to Nitish’s Chief Ministership.
Transition Process
The outgoing cabinet is expected to be dissolved soon. Nitish is likely to recommend this to the Governor, paving the way for his resignation and the subsequent swearing-in of the new government. The oath taking ceremony may take place later this week, possibly on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the availability of senior national leaders.
Strategic Balance Among Allies
- LJP (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, is expected to secure three ministerial slots, reinforcing its clout within the NDA.
- HAM (Jitan Ram Manjhi) and RLM (Upendra Kushwaha) are each slated to get one ministerial berth, according to sources.
- The arrangement reflects a careful balancing of regional and caste equations, as well as electoral reward for smaller allies.
Outlook
With these decisions, the NDA is on track to deliver a stable and broad based government in Bihar. By granting key parties significant representation, Nitish Kumar and his allies seem to be prioritising coalition cohesion over concentration of power.
