The effort to establish a new government in Bihar gained significant traction on Saturday, following the NDA’s substantial victory in the assembly elections. Senior leaders convened at the chief minister’s residence in Patna to deliberate on the oath-taking ceremony, the new cabinet’s composition, and portfolio distribution for the upcoming Nitish Kumar-led administration. Early in the day, Sanjay Jha, the JD(U)’s working president, and Union minister Lalan Singh arrived, signaling the initial stages of preparation for the new government. Shortly thereafter, Chirag Paswan, national president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and a Union minister in the Modi cabinet, visited the residence with a party delegation.
This marked his second consecutive day of discussions with the chief minister, indicating that the NDA is moving into a crucial phase of government formation. At 1 Aney Marg, the center of Patna’s political negotiations, leaders engaged in intense yet coordinated discussions. Reports from insiders suggested that meetings centered on setting a tentative date for the swearing-in ceremony and finalizing the cabinet structure. The alliance plans to allocate ministerial portfolios among the JD(U), BJP, LJP(R), HAM, and RLSP. Following his meeting with Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan remarked to reporters that he had come to congratulate the chief minister on the NDA’s “historic mandate,” emphasizing the public’s trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
He asserted that the mandate signifies the NDA’s unity. Paswan countered opposition claims of discord between the JD(U) and LJP(R), stating, “The Mahagathbandhan kept spreading rumors about rifts within the NDA, but the results have answered everything. We stood firmly together throughout the election and supported one another’s candidates.” He noted that Nitish Kumar acknowledged the contributions of all alliance partners during their discussions, highlighting the NDA’s success as a collective effort. BJP leader and deputy chief minister-designate Samrat Choudhary also participated in consultations, reinforcing the notion that established and emerging power centers within the NDA are collaborating effectively.
JD(U) veteran Shyam Rajak later told journalists that the entire NDA stands united behind Nitish Kumar, who will take the oath of office as chief minister. He remarked, “We fought the election under his leadership, and the opposition attempted to sow confusion, but the results and today’s meetings have clarified everything.” In the wake of the election results, the chief minister’s residence has become a focal point for rapid political developments, as alliance partners refine the framework of the new administration. Analysts suggest that Nitish Kumar’s undisputed leadership within the NDA has fostered a sense of political stability in the post-election landscape, with the oath-taking date expected to be announced soon.
The cabinet is likely to feature a blend of familiar and new faces as the NDA aims to balance experience with the public’s renewed expectations.
