Patna: The formation of a new government in Bihar under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is advancing swiftly following the selection of the legislative party leader. Sources indicate that Nitish Kumar is anticipated to take the oath of office as Chief Minister on November 20, marking his tenth term in this role. Approximately 20 ministers from five NDA parties are expected to be sworn in alongside him. Despite the NDA holding a robust majority with 202 MLAs, additional ministers will be appointed after the Assembly’s floor test. Ongoing discussions between JDU and BJP leaders are aimed at finalizing the ministerial list.
JDU Working President Sanjay Jha and Union Minister Lallan Singh met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to deliberate on ministerial appointments and the allocation of cabinet positions among the parties. The determination of the number of Deputy Chief Ministers is also likely to occur in consultation with Amit Shah. He is expected to arrive in Patna on Wednesday evening to finalize the list of BJP ministers. BJP’s election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan will reach Patna on Tuesday to wrap up the preparations. Initially, there was speculation regarding 35 ministers being sworn in simultaneously, especially following reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might attend the ceremony.
Discussions indicated the cabinet could consist of 15–16 BJP ministers, 14–15 JDU ministers, 2–3 from Chirag Paswan’s LJP-R, and one each from the parties of Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha. However, sources now suggest that the traditional approach will be adhered to: first conducting a floor test, followed by cabinet expansion. In the initial roster of around 20 ministers, BJP and JDU together may secure approximately 14–16 positions, while Paswan, Manjhi, and Kushwaha may acquire about four. Wednesday is set to be a significant day in Patna, with separate meetings for JDU and BJP MLAs taking place first to elect their legislative party leaders.
The LJP-R has already designated Raju Tiwari as its leader, while HAM has elected Praful Manjhi. Upendra Kushwaha has been empowered by RLSP MLAs to select their leader. Following the meetings of all parties, the NDA legislative party will convene to elect the alliance leader. Subsequently, Nitish Kumar will proceed to the Raj Bhavan to claim his right to form the new government in Bihar.