Patna: With the JD(U) crossing the 80-seat mark in the 243-member Bihar Assembly — just four seats behind the BJP’s tally of 89 — Nitish Kumar is set to return as Chief Minister once again. Despite the BJP emerging as the single-largest party, indications suggest the NDA is prepared to back Nitish Kumar for his 10th term as CM.
Government formation activity has intensified. The JD(U) has called a legislature party meeting today, where Nitish Kumar will be formally elected as the leader. The BJP is also expected to hold its legislature party meeting on Monday.
According to sources, Nitish Kumar will submit his resignation to the Governor on November 17, paving the way for the dissolution of the current government and formation of a new NDA-led government. He is likely to stake claim on the same day. If all goes as planned, Nitish Kumar may take oath on November 20, along with an expected 18-member Council of Ministers.
Within the BJP, names gaining traction for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post include Samrat Choudhary, Ramkripal Yadav, and Mangal Pandey. Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) is also expected to secure a place in the upcoming government.
RJD Faces Internal Crisis After Defeat
Meanwhile, the RJD is grappling with serious internal discord following its poor performance. Tejashwi Yadav is scheduled to hold a review meeting on Monday at his official residence, where he will meet all defeated candidates and assess the causes of the setback.
The crisis deepened when Rohini Acharya, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav — who had donated a kidney to him — left the Rabri residence on Saturday night alleging ill-treatment by Tejashwi Yadav and his close aides Sanjay Yadav and Rameez. NDA leaders have also expressed concern over the escalating family dispute.
Prashant Kishor’s Party Crashes Out
In a major political embarrassment, Prashant Kishor’s party, which had claimed a strong showing, failed to win a single seat. Nearly 98% of its candidates lost their deposits. After the results, posters surfaced referencing Kishor’s earlier statement that he would quit politics if he failed to perform — prompting renewed public scrutiny.
With the NDA moving swiftly and the opposition struggling with internal fractures, Bihar appears headed for another Nitish Kumar–led government, reinforcing his long-standing influence over the state’s political landscape.
