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Bihar’s political scene is set for another major transition as Nitish Kumar is poised to take oath as Chief Minister for the 10th time. The BJP and JDU have reached consensus on the old “six MLAs per minister” formula to form the new NDA government. Allies including LJP(R), HAM, and RLM will also find representation.
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Patna: The path for the formation of a new government in Bihar is almost clear. After lengthy negotiations between the BJP and the JDU, an agreement has been reached on the old formula. Under this, Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as Chief Minister for the 10th time. Late Saturday night, a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, JDU Acting National President Sanjay Jha, and Union Minister Lalan Singh approved the formula of one minister for every six MLAs.
The three major NDA allies—LJP (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, will also receive representation in the government. According to sources, the outline of the new government was finalized in a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence on Sunday. LJP (R) chief Chirag Paswan said that discussions on ministerial positions within the NDA are progressing in a positive direction.
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Nitish Kumar has called a final meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday morning. After the meeting, he will submit his resignation to the Governor. He will be elected leader at the NDA legislative party meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday. The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is expected to take place on Thursday at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Public entry will be restricted from November 17th to 20th.
Based on the BJP's 89 MLAs, it has been allocated 15 ministerial positions. With the JDU's 85 MLAs, it will receive 14 ministries. The LJP (R) will receive three, and the HAM and RLM will receive one each. As before, the BJP will appoint two deputy chief ministers, and this time, a woman may also be the deputy chief minister.
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According to sources, Nitish Kumar will retain the Home Department and General Administration. The Finance Department will remain with the BJP. Another round of discussions will take place among the NDA constituents on other portfolios. The distribution of portfolios will be finalized based on a formula that satisfies all allies.
This time, seven women are being appointed as ministers. Women voters overwhelmingly supported the NDA in the elections, so there's a consensus to increase their participation. There's no confusion about Nitish Kumar's leadership among smaller allies, so the alliance will move forward smoothly.
