Bihar is heading toward yet another major political transition as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepares to resign from his current post on November 19, only to return at the helm of a new National Democratic Alliance government that is expected to take oath the very next day. The swift restructuring, marked by intense negotiations and speculation over cabinet roles, including the crucial deputy chief minister position, has generated heightened political suspense in Patna. With multiple alliance partners, competing demands for ministerial portfolios, and talk of “surprise elements” in the new cabinet, the formation of Bihar’s next government is evolving into one of the most closely watched political developments in recent years.
The Road to Resignation and Return
Nitish Kumar’s decision to resign as the head of Bihar’s outgoing government is part of a coordinated plan by the National Democratic Alliance to formally dissolve the existing legislative assembly and pave the way for a new government before the assembly’s tenure ends on November 22. His resignation will follow the cabinet’s recommendation to dissolve the 17th assembly, a step he communicated to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan earlier in the week. Although there has been no formal announcement confirming Nitish Kumar’s continuation as chief minister for the new NDA government, statements by alliance leaders have strongly indicated that he remains the natural choice for the position.
Behind the scenes, the political machinery is in full motion. Nitish Kumar is expected to be elected as the leader of the Janata Dal (United) legislature party on the morning of November 19, followed by his selection as the leader of the NDA later in the afternoon. Immediately after these formalities, he will tender his resignation as chief minister, marking the end of the outgoing government’s tenure. He will then submit a letter of support from all alliance partners—BJP, LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM (Secular), and RLM—to stake claim to form the new government.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new NDA administration has already been planned as a grand event at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan. Scheduled from 11 a.m. on November 20, the ceremony is expected to be one of the most elaborate in the state’s political history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be among the dignitaries attending the event, along with several Union ministers, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states, and senior leaders from across the country. The selection of Gandhi Maidan as the venue reflects the NDA’s intention to project strength, unity, and public outreach in the wake of a decisive electoral victory.
Nitish Kumar assuming the chief ministerial role for the tenth time would mark another extraordinary milestone in his long political career. First sworn in as chief minister in 2005, he has since then worked with six different deputy chief ministers—five from the BJP and one from the RJD—and has overseen some of the state’s most politically turbulent periods. The upcoming oath-taking ceremony will also be his fourth at Gandhi Maidan, underscoring both his longevity and his centrality in Bihar politics.
The current political transition also underscores the fast-evolving dynamics between the BJP and the JD(U), the two principal allies in the NDA. While the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the recently concluded assembly elections with 89 seats, the JD(U) was not far behind with 85 seats, making both parties essential pillars of the incoming government. Their near-equal strength has intensified negotiations over cabinet portfolios, the deputy chief minister position, and the speaker’s post, each of which carries significant political weight.
Negotiations, Power Balance, and the Search for a New Cabinet Formula
One of the biggest questions hanging over the formation of the new cabinet concerns the number and identity of the deputy chief ministers. In the outgoing administration, Samrat Choudhary—a leader from the extremely backward classes—and Vijay Kumar Sinha—a prominent Bhumihar face—served as deputy chief ministers. Both have been re-elected and command substantial influence within the BJP’s legislative ranks. However, sources within the alliance have hinted that the JD(U) may push for a reduction to a single deputy chief minister if the BJP insists on keeping the speaker’s post.
This debate is closely tied to the NDA’s attempts to strike a balance between caste representation, regional considerations, and internal power equations. The BJP continues to have strong ambitions to shape the administrative direction of the state, especially since its electoral performance placed it ahead of the JD(U). The JD(U), on the other hand, seeks to ensure that its political footprint remains prominent despite the BJP’s numerical edge. These negotiations reflect the sensitivities that have defined the BJP–JD(U) relationship for years—a partnership often marked by strategic cooperation, occasional friction, and meticulous power-sharing.
Another layer of complexity surrounds the allocation of key ministries, particularly the home portfolio, which was held by the JD(U) in the previous government. Both the BJP and the JD(U) are reportedly eyeing the ministry this time, given its central role in law enforcement, internal security, and administrative control. The education portfolio, also controlled by the JD(U) earlier, has become another point of contention, especially as both parties seek to strengthen their influence among young voters and students.
A tentative formula under discussion suggests allocating one ministerial berth for every six MLAs to maintain proportional representation among alliance partners. Under this structure, the LJP (RV) may secure three cabinet positions, while the HAM (Secular) and RLM would likely get one each. The remaining seats—around thirty in total—would be divided between the BJP and the JD(U). Given that the Bihar cabinet cannot exceed 36 ministers due to constitutional limitations, finalising this distribution will require careful negotiation to ensure that no major faction feels sidelined.
Adding to the intrigue are reports that the new cabinet may feature “surprise elements,” as hinted by a senior NDA leader. This could involve inducting younger MLAs, accommodating new social coalitions, or elevating leaders who have demonstrated strong electoral performance. With a massive mandate of 202 out of 243 seats, the NDA leadership appears inclined to signal renewal, energy, and inclusivity through its new team.
The BJP, JD(U), and their smaller allies are acutely aware that the overwhelming majority they now enjoy places a new responsibility on their governance model. Alliance insiders have suggested that fresh faces may be brought into key departments to present an image of a modern, reenergised administration capable of delivering on public expectations. These decisions are also likely to be influenced by the evolving national political climate, with several states heading to elections and the NDA looking to maintain its momentum.
While the top leadership negotiates portfolios and positions, rank-and-file legislators await the legislature party meetings scheduled for Wednesday. These gatherings, led separately by the BJP and JD(U), are expected to provide further clarity on the leadership structure, ministerial claims, and the alliance’s strategic direction. Political observers believe that the outcomes of these meetings will determine whether the government moves forward with a single deputy chief minister or retains the dual-deputy structure for broader representation.
Beyond the internal restructuring, the NDA’s overwhelming win has reshaped Bihar’s political landscape. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, managed to secure only 35 seats in a 243-member assembly—one of its poorest performances in decades. This sharp contrast has emboldened the NDA to project stability, continuity, and effectiveness in its renewed term under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
