Nitish Kumar’s oath nears as BJP-JD(U) race for key portfolios intensifies in Bihar

With just hours to go for Nitish Kumar’s swearing-in at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan, the race for ministerial portfolios and the Speaker’s post has gathered momentum within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). As preparations for the grand ceremony—scheduled for Thursday at 11 am—entered the final stage, both the Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party continued intense internal deliberations to finalise the shape of the new government.

Nitish Kumar spent Tuesday reviewing arrangements at the venue, even as top central leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states, prepared to attend the event marking Kumar’s fifth consecutive term. Amit Shah is expected to land in Patna on Wednesday evening, following a three-hour strategy meeting in Delhi that brought together BJP president JP Nadda, Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and JD(U)’s working president Sanjay Jha.

The NDA secured a commanding victory in the recently concluded assembly polls, winning 202 out of 243 seats. The BJP emerged with 89 seats, followed closely by the JD(U) with 85, while alliance partners LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM(S), and RLM secured smaller but crucial chunks. With Bihar allowed a maximum of 36 ministers, the stakes over portfolio allocation remain high.

Both the JD(U) and BJP are eyeing crucial ministries such as home—previously held by the JD(U)—and education, which has also become a matter of contention. The Speaker’s post is equally sought after, with names like BJP’s Prem Kumar and JD(U)’s Vijay Chowdhary being discussed. In the outgoing assembly, Nand Kishore Yadav of the BJP served as Speaker, while JD(U)’s Narendra Narayan Yadav was Deputy Speaker.

The question of whether Bihar will continue with two deputy chief ministers, as in the last term, also remains unresolved. Former deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both re-elected, are considered strong contenders, though the JD(U) is reportedly pushing for a single deputy CM if the BJP takes the Speaker’s position.

BJP and JD(U) legislature party meetings on Wednesday are expected to offer clarity on leadership and cabinet picks. Senior alliance leaders hinted at possible surprise choices as the NDA looks to form a cabinet that balances youth, experience, caste representation, and political necessity.

As Nitish Kumar prepares to resign formally on Wednesday before being re-elected leader of the NDA, alliance partners have agreed on a proportional formula—one ministerial berth for every six MLAs—to ensure equitable distribution across the coalition. This would give RLM and HAM(S) one berth each, LJP(RV) three, and leave around 30–31 positions to be shared between the two main parties.

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With the swearing-in just ahead, political manoeuvring within the NDA has reached its peak, setting the stage for a new chapter in Bihar’s governance under Nitish Kumar.