The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to elect Nitish Kumar as its legislative party leader on Wednesday, paving the way for his swearing in as the chief minister of Bihar for the record 10th time.
Nitish is expected to meet Governor Arif Mohammad Khan later in the evening to formally stake a claim to form the government.
Meanwhile, intense lobbying is still underway among the NDA partners to finalise allocation of cabinet berths, and build a consensus over the post of Assembly Speaker ahead of the swearing-in. According to reports, both the BJP and the JD(U) have staked a claim for the post.
According to reports, the BJP is expected to secure two deputy chief minister posts and key portfolios in the new government; however, a final consensus has yet to be reached.
The two parties will meet separately on Wednesday before a joint meeting later in the afternoon. The meeting of JD(U) legislators will be held at 11 am at the residence of minister Shravan Kumar, while the BJP meeting will be held at the party's state headquarters in Patna.
Nitish Kumar will take oath as the chief minister for the 10th time on Thursday, November 20, marking a historic milestone in Bihar politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J.P. Nadda, several Union ministers, chief ministers from multiple states, senior NDA leaders, and other dignitaries will be present at the grand function to be held at the Gandhi Maidan.
On Tuesday, Nitish Kumar visited the venue and personally reviewed the preparations. Key NDA leaders, including Samrat Chaudhary and Nitin Naveen, and senior officials accompanied him.
The NDA made a strong comeback to power after pulling off a landslide victory in the recent Bihar assembly elections. The BJP bagged 89 seats to become the single largest party, while the JD(U) secured 85 seats.
Among other constituents of the ruling alliance, LJP(RV) won 19 seats, HAM 5 and RLM 4. |
