Nitish set to resign today; NDA prepares new Bihar Govt as big surprises loom

Patna – Bihar politics entered a decisive phase on Wednesday as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepared to resign and clear the path for a fresh National Democratic Alliance government. He plans to step down today and return tomorrow, yet leaders inside the alliance hint at possible surprises in the new cabinet.

The political mood in Patna shifted sharply on Tuesday evening. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (United) held late-night discussions. They signalled that Nitish Kumar will likely take oath again as chief minister at Gandhi Maidan on Thursday morning. However, they also suggested that the next cabinet may include new faces and unexpected changes.

The current assembly’s term ends on November 22. The 18th assembly must take shape before that date. The NDA wants a smooth transition, so it pushed rapid decisions this week.

Swearing-In on Thursday

By Wednesday afternoon, the stage crew at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan moved fast. They prepared the venue for what NDA leaders call the grandest swearing-in ceremony in the state so far. The programme begins at 11 am on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to attend. Several Union ministers and chief ministers from NDA-ruled states will also mark their presence.

A BJP leader familiar with the planning said the alliance wants to demonstrate unity and strength. He added that leaders want to show the voters that the NDA is ready to govern with speed and stability after its massive victory.

Nitish Meets Governor

Nitish Kumar met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan earlier this week. He informed him about the cabinet decision to dissolve the current assembly. JD(U) leaders later confirmed that Nitish will resign today as the head of the outgoing government. He plans to present letters of support from all alliance partners to the Governor as soon as the NDA elects him as its leader on Wednesday afternoon.

JD(U) functionaries said Nitish will first meet his party MLAs at 11 am. Then he will meet the NDA legislators at 3:30 pm to complete the formal steps before his resignation.

Focus on Deputy CM Post

The BJP and JD(U) continue to negotiate the deputy chief minister position. In the outgoing government, Samrat Choudhury and Vijay Kumar Sinha held those posts. Both leaders won re-election and expect roles in the new team.

However, BJP leaders say they will discuss whether they need one deputy CM or two. They also want to strike a balance between caste representation and administrative experience. JD(U) leaders argue that if the BJP keeps the Speaker’s post, then only one deputy CM should take office. Those conversations will continue through Wednesday evening.

Surprise Elements Possible

An NDA leader in Patna said the fresh mandate gives the alliance room to redesign the team. He hinted at “surprise elements” in the cabinet. He said leaders want a blend of youth and senior experience. They also want to protect the social coalition that helped them win the election.

Portfolio Negotiations Intensify

Both BJP and JD(U) want control of the home portfolio. The education ministry also remains a matter of debate. Leaders from both sides said they want strong departments because the next five years will demand heavy administrative work.

Meanwhile, NDA allies continue to negotiate their shares. One alliance formula under discussion offers one ministerial berth for every six MLAs. Under this idea, the LJP(Ram Vilas) may get three posts, the Hindustani Awam Morcha(S) may get one, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha may get one. The remaining posts will go to BJP and JD(U). Bihar can have a total of 36 ministers, including the chief minister.

NDA’s Big Victory Shapes New Govt

The NDA swept the assembly election with 202 seats in the 243-member house. The BJP won 89 seats, the JD(U) 85, the LJP(RV) 19, the HAM(S) five, and the RLM four. The Mahagathbandhan managed only 35 seats, marking one of its weakest results in years.

Now the alliance prepares for a new chapter in Bihar politics. Nitish Kumar stands ready for his 10th term. Yet leaders say the real story may unfold tomorrow when the NDA reveals its new team at Gandhi Maidan.