Power-Sharing Talks Intensify Ahead of Bihar Government’s Oath-Taking Ceremony

With just one day remaining before the new Bihar government is sworn in, intense negotiations within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over key positions—including the two Deputy Chief Minister posts and the Speaker's chair—have escalated. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for November 20, but the final power-sharing arrangement between the JD(U) and the BJP remains unsettled.

According to PTI sources, both parties are strongly lobbying for the Speaker’s post, which was held by BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav in the outgoing Assembly. JD(U)’s Narendra Narayan Yadav previously served as Deputy Speaker. Senior leaders from both parties have held a series of meetings in Delhi, with the Speakership and major cabinet portfolios dominating the discussions.

Names being considered for Speaker include JD(U) veteran Vijay Choudhary and senior BJP leader Prem Kumar, PTI reported.

Negotiations are also underway regarding the composition of the new cabinet. The ministry is expected to feature five to six new faces from the two principal alliance partners. JD(U) state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha, the newly elected MLA from Mahnar, is widely expected to join the cabinet as Nitish Kumar prepares to take oath as Chief Minister for an unprecedented tenth term.

The NDA returned to power with 202 seats in the 243-member Assembly: BJP won 89, JD(U) 85, LJP (RV) 19, HAM-S 5 and RLM 4. While JD(U) is likely to retain most of its current ministers, the BJP is expected to induct several new leaders.

Smaller allies—including Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV), Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM-S and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha—are also set to secure cabinet representation. According to sources, LJP (RV) may receive three cabinet berths, while HAM-S and RLM are likely to get one each. A total of 16 BJP ministers and 14 from JD(U), in addition to Nitish Kumar, are expected to take oath on November 20.

JD(U) leaders are reportedly seeking a stronger presence in the new government, arguing that the party’s improved performance compared to 2020 justifies additional portfolios. “We had only 12 ministers last time. With our numbers up sharply, we expect more representation,” a JD(U) insider told PTI.

Meanwhile, Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan—venue for the swearing-in ceremony—has been closed to the public until November 20. Security has been heightened across the city, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to attend the event along with senior NDA leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.