Patna: The Election Commission of India has lifted the Model Code of Conduct in Bihar following the conclusion of the state’s Assembly elections, submitting a list of the 243 newly elected MLAs to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. The move sets the stage for the formation of a new government in the state.
Chief Election Officer Vinod Singh Gunjyal handed over the list of winning candidates from all parties to the Governor at the Raj Bhavan in Patna on Sunday evening. Arvind Anand, Principal Secretary of the Election Commission, was also present. While the submission marks a key procedural step, the Commission has yet to issue a formal order officially lifting the code of conduct, which had been in place since the election schedule was announced on October 6.
The results of Bihar’s two-phase elections, declared on November 14, delivered a decisive victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which secured 202 seats. The Grand Alliance of opposition parties managed just 35 seats.
In Patna and Delhi, discussions are already underway regarding the new government. Senior NDA leaders visited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence, while in Delhi, a meeting of JD(U) and Bihar BJP leaders was held at the home of Union Minister Amit Shah. Reports indicate that the current cabinet is expected to convene on Monday, after which Nitish Kumar may resign to make way for the new administration.
Nitish Kumar is widely expected to return as Chief Minister, with a formal announcement anticipated in the next day or two. The Raj Bhavan will subsequently confirm the date of the swearing-in ceremony for the new government.
