Preparations for the formation of a new government in Bihar are underway, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for November 20 at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. Meanwhile, crucial discussions regarding the power-sharing arrangement between the BJP and JDU are ongoing in Delhi.
A high-level meeting was held at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where JDU leaders Sanjay Jha and Lalan Singh met with top BJP leadership. The talks centred on key positions in the new government, including the Deputy Chief Minister posts, cabinet portfolios, and the Assembly Speaker’s position.
Sources indicate that both parties are insisting on “equal participation,” which has led to a tug-of-war over the post of Assembly Speaker. The JDU argues that since the Legislative Council Chairperson’s position is with the BJP, the Speaker’s post should go to JDU. The BJP, however, maintains that with the Chief Minister’s position already held by JDU, the Speaker’s post should “naturally” remain with the BJP.
Amid this ongoing tension, senior JDU leaders Lalan Singh and Sanjay Jha were called to Delhi late Monday night via chartered aircraft. They also held discussions with Amit Shah and BJP national president J.P. Nadda on Sunday.
Earlier on Monday, the outgoing cabinet held its final meeting and passed a proposal to dissolve the Bihar Assembly on November 19, after which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met the Governor to brief him.
According to sources, the Delhi discussions include deliberations on the Speaker’s post, two Deputy Chief Minister positions, distribution of departments, and the inclusion of MLAs from different caste groups in the cabinet for balanced representation.
Reliable sources suggest that the Speaker’s post is likely to remain with the BJP, and the party may once again appoint Vijay Sinha as the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly.