While there has been no official announcement regarding Nitish Kumar’s return as Chief Minister for the BJP-JD(U) alliance, comments from alliance leaders strongly suggest this development. They have also indicated the possibility of some ‘surprise elements’ potentially entering the Bihar political scene. The oath-taking ceremony for the new NDA government is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at 11 am in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, and is expected to be a significant event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with various Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from other NDA-ruled states, is expected to attend, making it the most grand event yet.
Although it seems likely that Nitish Kumar will be sworn in for his record 10th term as Chief Minister, an official confirmation of the new Bihar government is anticipated today. Both the BJP and JD(U) are set to convene their respective legislature party meetings on Wednesday, which are expected to not only confirm Nitish as the choice for the cabinet reshuffle but also offer initial insights into potential candidates for the Deputy Chief Minister position. On Monday, Nitish Kumar met with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan to recommend the dissolution of the current assembly.
His close associate and outgoing JD(U) minister, Vijay Kumar Chowdhary, has confirmed that Nitish will formally submit his resignation as the leader of the current government to the Governor on Wednesday, November 19, thus initiating the process for the new ministry formation.