Patna: The process of forming a new government in Bihar gathered sharp momentum on Saturday, a day after the NDA’s sweeping victory in the assembly elections. A steady stream of senior leaders arrived at the chief minister’s residence in Patna to discuss the oath-taking ceremony, the composition of the new cabinet, and the division of portfolios in the next Nitish Kumar–led administration.
Political bustle at 1 Aney Marg
The morning began with the arrival of Sanjay Jha, the JD(U)’s working president, followed by Union minister Lalan Singh. Their visit was widely viewed as an early indication of behind-the-scenes preparations for the new government.
Shortly afterward, Chirag Paswan, national president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and a Union minister in the Modi cabinet, reached the residence with a party delegation. It marked his second consecutive day of discussions at the chief minister’s home — a sign, political observers say, that the NDA is entering the decisive phase of government formation.
At 1 Aney Marg, the heart of Patna’s political negotiations, leaders engaged in a series of closed-door conversations that insiders described as “intense but aligned”.
Oath-taking and cabinet contours discussed
According to sources familiar with the meetings, discussions focused on the tentative date of the swearing-in ceremony and the structure of the upcoming cabinet. The alliance is expected to distribute ministerial portfolios among the JD(U), BJP, LJP(R), HAM and RLSP.
Chirag Paswan, speaking to reporters after his meeting with Nitish Kumar, said he had visited the chief minister to congratulate him on the NDA’s “historic mandate”. “The people have proved that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar enjoy their full trust. The mandate reflects the unity of the NDA,” he said.
Chirag hits back at opposition claims
Paswan dismissed allegations by the opposition that friction existed between the JD(U) and LJP(R). “The Mahagathbandhan kept spreading rumours about rifts within the NDA, but the results have answered everything. We stood firmly together throughout the election and supported one another’s candidates,” he said.
He added that Nitish Kumar had praised the contribution of all alliance partners during their discussion and that the NDA’s success was a joint achievement.
Samrat Choudhary and Shyam Rajak underline unity
BJP leader and deputy chief minister-designate Samrat Choudhary also reached the residence for consultations, reinforcing speculation that both old and emerging power centres within the NDA were working in sync.
Later, JD(U) veteran Shyam Rajak told journalists that the entire NDA was united behind Nitish Kumar. “We fought the election under his leadership and he will take the oath as chief minister. The opposition tried to spread confusion, but the results and today’s meetings have made everything clear,” he said.
Final stretch to government formation
Since the election results, the chief minister’s residence has become the hub of rapid political movement, with alliance partners fine-tuning the shape of the new administration. Nitish Kumar’s unchallenged leadership within the NDA, analysts say, has contributed to a sense of political stability in the post-election environment.
The oath-taking date is expected to be announced within days. A mix of familiar and fresh faces is likely to feature in the cabinet as the NDA seeks to balance experience with renewed public expectations.
