PATNA: The NDA is expected to apply the same formula for portfolio allocation that it used during ticket distribution, coalition insiders indicated. Under the emerging arrangement, Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) will continue to hold the Chief Minister’s post. Meanwhile, the BJP and Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) are each likely to secure one Deputy Chief Minister position, signalling a balanced power-sharing structure within the alliance.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday held a series of meetings with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders at his official residence in Patna to discuss the formation of a new government after the ruling alliance secured a three-fourth majority, winning 202 out of 243 seats, in the Assembly elections.
Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha were among those who met Nitish. Earlier, he convened discussions with senior JD(U) leaders and all newly elected MLAs. JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh also attended.
As per the cabinet-sharing formula, the BJP is expected to get 15-16 ministerial berths, the JD(U) around 14, the LJP (RV) three, and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM one each.
“During the ticket distribution, for every MP, an NDA partner was given five-six assembly seats. So, it is likely that the same formula may be in place for cabinet berths,” said a senior BJP leader. With 85 MLAs, the JD(U) could secure 14 berths besides the CM post.
Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha is likely to be replaced by LJP (RV) state president Raju Tiwari, elected from Govindganj, while former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, who won from Danapur, is being considered for the same post from the BJP’s side.
In the recently-concluded Assembly election, the NDA swept aside the Mahagathbandhan, with BJP emerging as the single-largest party, winning 89 seats. JD(U) followed with 85, LJP (RV) 19, HAM five, and RLM four. The RJD-led combine could muster only 35 seats.
The JD(U) has instructed all its MLAs to remain in Patna from Monday onwards. Nitish is expected to recommend dissolution of the current cabinet on Monday before submitting his resignation to the Governor. This could be followed by the NDA meeting, sources said. Nitish could take oath as Chief Minister for a record tenth time on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s availability.
Preparations for the oath ceremony have begun at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna.