Patna: Bihar’s new government faces early turbulence as senior Janata Dal (United) leaders were summoned to Delhi late on Monday night, just ahead of the state’s swearing-in ceremony. Union Minister Lalan Singh and JD(U) National Executive President Sanjay Jha departed by a special plane to meet top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership, as negotiations over the new cabinet continue.
The two allies have reportedly agreed on an equal distribution of ministerial posts, but disagreements have intensified over the roles of Assembly Speaker and Deputy Chief Minister. The Speaker’s position, seen as a pivotal lever of power in the state legislature, remains the key point of contention.
At present, the BJP holds the post of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The JD(U), which currently controls the Chief Ministership, contends that the BJP already occupies the Chairman of the Legislative Council and, therefore, the Speaker’s role should go to the JD(U). Conversely, the BJP maintains that the ruling party traditionally claims the Speaker’s chair, creating a standoff between the coalition partners.
With final deliberations underway in Delhi, both parties are in close contact with their leadership. Officials suggest that a resolution on cabinet formation, including the number of ministerial positions and key appointments, could be announced imminently.
