The formation of the next Bihar government has entered a decisive phase, with the NDA finalising a power-sharing formula designed to maintain alliance balance and ensure smooth governance. As discussions intensify in Patna, leaders from all major coalition partners are working to streamline portfolio allocation based on seat strength, political influence, and pre-election commitments. The newly secured mandate, which delivered an overwhelming three-fourth majority to the NDA, has set high expectations for a stable and cohesive administration.
High-level meetings led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have laid out the structure of the future cabinet, with the emphasis on representation for every partner. Key posts, ministerial quotas, and leadership roles are being calibrated to reflect the performance of each party in the assembly elections. Coalition insiders suggest that the formula used during ticket distribution could once again shape the cabinet composition, further reinforcing the alliance’s internal equilibrium.
With Bihar’s political landscape witnessing a sweeping mandate, the NDA is pushing to finalise roles promptly to ensure continuity of governance. Preparations are already underway for the oath-taking ceremony, and intense lobbying within parties continues as leaders vie for cabinet berths. The days ahead are expected to bring clarity as the NDA moves toward unveiling a new government structure.
NDA’s Power-Sharing Blueprint Takes Shape
According to alliance sources, the NDA plans to replicate its ticket-distribution strategy for cabinet allocation. As part of this arrangement, Nitish Kumar will retain the Chief Minister’s post, reaffirming his position as the coalition’s central pillar. The BJP and the LJP (Ram Vilas) are each expected to secure one Deputy Chief Minister post, signaling a deliberate attempt to balance political weight among major partners.
The discussions reflect a broader goal within the NDA: ensuring unity by rewarding each partner proportionally. By adopting a formula already applied during ticket distribution, the alliance aims to minimize conflict over ministerial roles and create a predictable system of portfolio distribution.
Reports within the NDA indicate that this structure has been largely agreed upon and is awaiting formal approval during the next coalition meeting. Leaders believe this arrangement will stabilize the government and prevent internal friction.
Key Meetings Led by Nitish Kumar in Patna
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened back-to-back meetings with senior NDA leaders, newly elected MLAs, and key political associates. Discussions focused on the overall cabinet structure, distribution of ministerial departments, and immediate administrative priorities.
Prominent leaders including Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha met with Nitish Kumar, indicating the high stakes surrounding the government-formation process. Multiple JD(U) leaders, alongside representatives from BJP, LJP (RV), HAM, and RLM, also participated in these deliberations.
JD(U) President Lalan Singh actively participated in the discussions, reinforcing the party’s central role in finalizing the cabinet. With key partners on board, the coalition is working toward a consensus-based approach to ensure stability.
Cabinet Allocation Formula and Likely Distribution
The emerging cabinet-sharing blueprint outlines a clear numerical distribution of ministerial berths among NDA allies. The BJP is expected to secure 15–16 portfolios, JD(U) around 14, and the LJP (RV) approximately three. Smaller partners like HAM and RLM are each expected to secure a single berth.
This distribution closely mirrors the ticket-allocation process used during the elections, where each MP was granted influence over five to six assembly seats. By extending this precedent to cabinet formation, the NDA aims to preserve internal consistency and avoid disputes.
Based on its 85 MLAs, JD(U) is set to secure a significant share of ministries, in addition to retaining the Chief Ministership. This allocation affirms the party’s central role within the coalition and recognizes its performance in the elections.
Changes in Deputy Chief Minister Positions
The NDA is likely to undergo a leadership reconfiguration in key posts. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha is expected to be replaced, with LJP (RV) leader Raju Tiwari emerging as the frontrunner. Tiwari, elected from Govindganj, is seen as an influential leader within Chirag Paswan’s camp.
From the BJP’s side, former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav is being considered for the second Deputy CM position. His electoral victory from Danapur has strengthened his claim, and his inclusion could help fortify BJP’s administrative presence in the new government.
These changes reflect the NDA’s broader strategy of rebalancing leadership roles based on current political realities and alliance performance.
Election Outcome and Coalition Strength
The NDA recorded a massive victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, securing 202 seats in the 243-member House. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats, followed closely by JD(U) with 85. LJP (RV) captured 19 seats, while HAM and RLM secured five and four seats respectively.
The opposition suffered a substantial setback, with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan managing only 35 seats. The results showcased the NDA’s sweeping public endorsement and strengthened its negotiating power in government formation.
The strong mandate has also allowed the NDA to move forward with confidence in structuring a durable and coordinated government.
JD(U) MLAs Directed to Stay in Patna
To maintain organizational cohesion and ensure swift decision-making, the JD(U) has instructed all newly elected MLAs to remain in Patna. This move aims to prevent political poaching and ensure smooth internal communication during government formation.
Nitish Kumar is expected to dissolve the existing cabinet and submit his resignation to the Governor before being reappointed as Chief Minister. Sources indicate that he may take oath for a record tenth time, depending on the availability of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The preparations at Gandhi Maidan have intensified, with security measures and logistical arrangements being coordinated for the swearing-in event.
Preparations for the Swearing-In Ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony is being planned at the iconic Gandhi Maidan, a venue of immense historical and political significance. State officials are coordinating with security agencies to prepare for a high-profile event expected to draw national leaders and thousands of supporters.
Workers have begun setting up barricades, lighting arrangements, and stage structures. Given the NDA’s sweeping victory, the event is anticipated to be one of the most grand political ceremonies in recent memory within the state.
The final schedule will be confirmed once the NDA completes internal formalities around cabinet distribution and leadership announcements.
Broader Implications for Bihar’s Governance
The power-sharing arrangement is expected to influence the policy direction of the incoming government. With representation from diverse political partners, the administration will likely focus on economic development, employment generation, and infrastructure expansion.
Senior leaders have emphasized the need for cohesion, unified decision-making, and long-term planning as Bihar moves into a new phase of governance. The cabinet’s final composition will play a significant role in determining the efficiency of these efforts.
As the NDA takes steps toward forming the new government, Bihar’s political and administrative future is poised for a critical transformation.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
