Political Turbulence Brews in Bihar as Nitish Cabinet Nods to Key Agendas

Patna: In a brief yet significant cabinet meeting held today in Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration greenlit three crucial agendas — the State Address, the General Budget for 2024-25 of the Bihar Government, and the Third Supplementary Budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. However, the real intrigue lies not in the government’s decisions but in the political ramifications set to unfold.

Thursday’s Nitish cabinet meeting, which lasted a mere 15 minutes, has sent ripples through both the external and internal political landscapes of Bihar. Notably, the ministers and officers present barely had time to complete their breakfast before the swift conclusion of the meeting. Exiting the cabinet session, ministers appeared visibly disheartened, with CM Nitish opting for the lift and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav descending the Secretariat stairs.

Tejashwi, accompanied by Minister Ashok Chaudhary, waited patiently for CM Nitish next to the lift. Despite the somber atmosphere, Kumar exchanged greetings with both, offering a silent acknowledgment before proceeding. Minister Bijendra Yadav, on the other hand, made his way alone towards his chamber.

An unusual departure from the norm, there was no customary press briefing for the media after the cabinet meeting’s conclusion on Thursday. This departure from routine adds to the mystery surrounding the political developments within the Nitish Kumar-led administration.

Significantly, the absence of a press briefing comes amidst recent speculations, fueled by Sushil Kumar Modi’s endorsement of Nitish’s potential entry into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Modi indicated that the state unit would be receptive to such a move if sanctioned by the central leadership.