As Nitish Kumar prepares for his fifth term as Bihar’s Chief Minister, the political landscape is abuzz with intense cabinet formation negotiations. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, with the Chief Minister overseeing the preparations. Meanwhile, his Janata Dal (United) party and the Bharatiya Janata Party are locked in crucial discussions over cabinet portfolios and the coveted Speaker’s post. The ceremony is anticipated to be a high-profile event, likely graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside other Union ministers and chief ministers from states governed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Amit Shah is expected to arrive in Patna on Wednesday evening, with the final list of dignitaries to be confirmed shortly thereafter. The NDA secured a significant victory in the recent Bihar elections, winning 202 out of 243 assembly seats, with the BJP securing 89, JD(U) 85, LJP (Ram Vilas) 19, HAM(S) five, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha four. While both JD(U) and BJP are maintaining public silence, internal talks regarding the distribution of ministries are reportedly strenuous. A significant meeting took place in Delhi involving key leaders from both parties to iron out the details. Bihar’s constitutionally mandated cabinet size allows for 36 ministers, including the Chief Minister. The Home Ministry, previously held by JD(U), is now a point of contention, with the BJP seeking to claim it. The Education ministry is another portfolio reportedly under discussion. The Speaker’s position also remains a subject of negotiation, with each party backing its preferred candidate. Discussions are also underway regarding the allocation of ministerial berths to smaller alliance partners, with a formula reportedly being used to distribute the remaining positions between the two major coalition parties. Despite the detailed bargaining, it is understood that the broader strategic issues have been resolved, paving the way for the formal launch of Nitish Kumar’s new tenure.
