Nitish Kumar is set to continue as the Chief Minister of Bihar, and will take the oath for the record 10th time. The formation of the new state government is likely to take place within the next three days, following a key meeting between Nitish Kumar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where the cabinet-sharing formula was finalised, NDTV reported.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new Bihar NDA government is expected to be held on Wednesday or Thursday. However, the final date will depend on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s availability. Preparations for the event have already begun, indicating that the alliance is moving swiftly to form the next government after securing a strong mandate in the recently concluded assembly elections.
NDA’s Strong Performance
The NDA registered a major victory in the Bihar polls, with both the BJP and the JDU recording significantly better results than in 2020. The BJP became the single-largest party with 89 seats, while the JDU followed closely with 85 seats. Smaller allies such as the LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and the RLM also performed impressively, adding to the alliance’s overall strength.
With the Election Commission issuing the notification to constitute the 18th Bihar Assembly, the process of government formation formally began today. The Commission will soon brief Governor Arif Mohammad Khan about the final results, after which the Model Code of Conduct will cease to be in effect.
Steps Toward Forming the Government
A cabinet meeting has been called by Nitish Kumar for tomorrow, during which the dissolution of the outgoing 17th Assembly is likely to be approved. After the resolution is passed, Nitish Kumar will submit his resignation to the Governor, a procedural step needed before the formation of the new government.
Once this is completed, all NDA partners—including the BJP, JDU, LJP(RV), HAM, and RLSP—will conduct their legislature party meetings to formally elect the alliance leader and stake claim to form the new government. Nitish Kumar is expected to be chosen again as the NDA’s leader.
Swearing-In Ceremony Plans
The swearing-in ceremony, tentatively scheduled for November 19 or 20, is expected to be a major political event. The NDA is planning a grand show of strength at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states, and other top leaders are likely to attend. This will also mark Nitish Kumar’s record 10th swearing-in as Bihar Chief Minister.
Cabinet-Sharing Formula Decided
Sources said the cabinet formation formula was finalised during Amit Shah’s meeting with Nitish Kumar in Delhi. Despite some initial hesitation within the BJP regarding backing Nitish Kumar again, both sides eventually agreed that he would remain the Chief Minister.
The BJP is expected to secure the highest number of ministerial berths, followed by the JDU. Smaller partners will also find representation in the new cabinet. The NDA has adopted a “one minister for every six MLAs” formula for allocating posts.
According to the current plan, the BJP may get 15 to 16 ministerial positions, the JDU around 14, and the LJP (Ram Vilas) possibly three. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) are each likely to receive one berth.