The formation of a new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar is moving forward, with a key power-sharing formula proposing an equal distribution of ministerial positions between the two largest alliance partners, the Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The Proposed Power-Sharing Formula
According to insiders familiar with the negotiations, the initial proposal suggests that the JD(U) and the BJP will receive an equal number of ministries. This arrangement reflects the fact that both parties contested an equal number of 101 seats each in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections.
For the smaller allies, the proposal outlines specific allocations. The Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is likely to be offered two ministerial positions. Furthermore, the Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) are expected to be given one department each.
"This is the formula on the table and consultations are going on," revealed a BJP source, adding, "There could be major changes in the portfolio distribution and the discussions are focusing on that too."
The Road to Government Formation
The procedural steps for the government's formation are set in motion. The newly elected JD(U) MLAs are scheduled to meet in Patna on Monday. Following this meeting, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to meet the Governor to submit his resignation, a necessary step to pave the way for the new administration.
Subsequently, the BJP Legislature Party is likely to convene on Tuesday. With the term of the current 17th Bihar Assembly expiring on November 22, the swearing-in ceremony for the new government is tentatively planned. The source indicated that the oath-taking "may take place on Wednesday or Thursday."
Alliance Dynamics and Leadership Questions
The BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the assembly with 89 seats, closely followed by the JD(U) with 85. The LJP (RV) secured 19 seats, while the HAM(S) and the RLM won five and four seats, respectively. This marks a significant shift from the 2020 elections, where the BJP had 74 seats and the JD(U) had 43. In the outgoing government, this disparity was reflected in ministerial strength, with the BJP holding 22 ministries compared to the JD(U)'s 12.
There is a strong consensus within the BJP that Nitish Kumar will continue as the Chief Minister, acknowledging that his goodwill and governance record were pivotal to the NDA's decisive victory. However, the question of Deputy Chief Ministers remains open.
Discussions have been influenced by allegations of corruption and irregularities in poll affidavits raised against outgoing Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary. Despite these accusations, his victory from the Tarapur constituency and a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's victory speech are seen by many in the party as a voter endorsement, leaving his political future a topic of active discussion.
