Nitish Kumar Resigns to Form New NDA Government in Bihar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape. This move follows the National Democratic Alliance’s decisive victory in the recently concluded state assembly elections, securing over 200 seats in the 243-member chamber. The resignation initiates the formal process for establishing a new government backed by the NDA coalition, setting the stage for significant political developments in the state.

NDA’s Electoral Triumph and Coalition Strength

The NDA coalition emerged victorious with impressive numbers, with the BJP securing 89 seats and its ally JD(U) winning 85 seats. This commanding majority reflects voter confidence in the coalition’s governance vision. However, the incoming government faces the complexity of managing multiple coalition partners, each seeking adequate representation in the new cabinet.

Swearing-In Ceremony and Cabinet Negotiations

Preparations are underway for a grand swearing-in ceremony scheduled for November 20 at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to grace the occasion. The ceremony marks the culmination of months of electoral campaigns and political negotiations. The JD(U), strengthened by its improved performance compared to 2020, is demanding greater representation in the cabinet. New allies like LJP(RV), which secured 19 seats, and HAM are also staking claims for cabinet positions, making coalition arithmetic notably complex. LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan has indicated his willingness to join the government, though he has avoided commenting on seeking the deputy chief minister’s position. These negotiations will prove crucial in determining the final cabinet composition and maintaining coalition stability.