As Bihar prepares for its new government, the National Democratic Alliance partners are discussing ministerial berth distribution. An initial proposal suggests equal ministerial positions for the BJP and JD(U), the two largest alliance members who contested 101 seats each in the recent assembly elections. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats, while JD(U) secured 85 seats. Smaller allies including Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) with 19 seats, Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) with five seats, and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha with four seats are also expected to receive ministerial roles. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to meet the Governor on Monday to submit his resignation before the new government formation. The swearing-in ceremony may occur on Wednesday or Thursday, before the current assembly term expires on November 22.
Alliance Partners Discuss Portfolio Distribution Formula
Consultations among NDA partners focus on an initial formula proposing equal ministerial berths for BJP and JD(U). Under this arrangement, the LJP (Ram Vilas) may receive two ministerial positions, while the Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) could get one department each. Sources indicate this formula remains under discussion with possibilities of major changes in portfolio distribution. The newly elected JD(U) legislators will convene in Patna on Monday, followed by a BJP Legislature Party meeting on Tuesday. Senior BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, party president J P Nadda, and general secretary B L Santhosh, met briefly at party headquarters in Delhi on Friday to discuss government formation after the alliance's victory.
Source: Link