Days after the NDA’s landslide victory in Bihar Assembly elections, the new government will be sworn in Thursday, November 20, at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan. Nitish Kumar, backed by NDA allies for a record tenth term as Chief Minister, is preparing to assume office following the alliance’s dominant electoral performance.
Nitish Kumar Resignation and Transition
Nitish Kumar chaired his final Cabinet meeting at 11:30 AM Wednesday, where a proposal was passed to dissolve the existing Cabinet. He subsequently met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at Raj Bhavan, informing him of his resignation on November 19 and the outgoing Assembly’s dissolution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, fulfilling his campaign promise to “be back for the swearing-in of a new NDA government” after addressing over a dozen rallies during the election campaign.
Overwhelming Electoral Mandate
The NDA secured a commanding majority, capturing 202 seats in the 243-member Assembly. BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, followed by JD(U) with 85. Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV) won 19 seats, while smaller partners Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) secured nine combined. The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan managed only 35 seats.
Cabinet Formation Negotiations
JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha, after meeting BJP leadership in Delhi, stated: “In a few days, the new government will be formed. You will get to know the details in due course. We are committed to fulfilling all the promises that we have made in the NDA’s manifesto.”
A JD(U) leader, speaking anonymously, revealed the party seeks greater Cabinet representation compared to the previous government’s 12 ministerial positions, citing their improved tally from fewer than 50 MLAs in 2020.
Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan confirmed LJP(RV)’s participation in the government, though he avoided addressing speculation about seeking the Deputy Chief Minister’s post.
Opposition Turmoil
While NDA prepares governance, the RJD faces internal crisis. Tejashwi Yadav will review the party’s electoral collapse from 75 seats in 2020 to just 25, amid family tensions following Rohini Acharya’s political exit.
