Portfolio Negotiations Peak Ahead of Nitish Kumar’s Swearing-In
As Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gears up for a historic ninth oath-taking, political circles in Patna are abuzz with high-stakes negotiations over ministerial berths. The JD(U) leader, who recently rejoined the NDA, faces the tough task of balancing demands from allies like the BJP, HAM, and smaller parties. With the oath ceremony imminent, the scramble for key ministries has exposed simmering tensions within the coalition.
Nitish’s NDA Return Triggers Power Struggle
Nitish Kumar’s swift U-turn from the Mahagathbandhan back to the NDA has reshaped Bihar’s political landscape. While the BJP (78 seats) holds greater leverage, JD(U)’s reduced strength (45 MLAs) complicates negotiations. Reports suggest the BJP is vying for high-impact portfolios—Home, Finance, and Education—while JD(U) fights to retain its traditional strongholds.
Sources confirm Nitish will remain CM, but the BJP insists on a larger ministerial share, citing its electoral dominance. A BJP insider stated: “Our mandate demands greater responsibility in governance.”
BJP’s Key Demands: Home, Finance & Infrastructure
The BJP is aggressively pushing for:
– Home Ministry (long held by Nitish)
– Finance Department (to influence state spending)
– Infrastructure & Roads (traditionally JD(U)-controlled)
A BJP leader argued, “Our performance justifies a bigger role in decision-making.”
JD(U)’s Counterstrategy: Protect Core Ministries
JD(U) leaders are determined to retain departments tied to Nitish’s governance legacy, such as Education, Health, and Social Welfare. Losing these could alienate their voter base. A JD(U) MLA warned, “Surrendering key ministries will demoralize our supporters.”
Smaller Allies Add Pressure
NDA partners like HAM (4 seats) and VIP (4 seats) are lobbying for cabinet roles, further complicating talks. HAM seeks the SC Welfare Ministry, while VIP wants representation. The BJP must juggle these demands without alienating JD(U).
High Stakes for Nitish Kumar
For Nitish, this isn’t just about portfolios—it’s a survival test. Over-conceding to the BJP risks eroding JD(U)’s relevance, while resistance could strain alliance stability. Political analyst Prof. Sanjay Kumar notes, “Nitish must walk a tightrope to retain governance control without provoking the BJP.”
What to Watch in the Oath Ceremony
The upcoming swearing-in will reveal the final power balance. If the BJP secures major ministries, Bihar’s political dynamics could shift long-term, sidelining JD(U). Either way, Nitish’s ninth term promises to be his most turbulent yet.
Stay tuned for real-time updates on Bihar’s cabinet formation.
