In a dramatic political development that has reshaped Bihar's political landscape, Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record ninth time on Sunday. The ceremony marked his return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold after a brief stint with the opposition Mahagathbandhan.
The oath-taking event at Raj Bhavan in Patna was attended by top BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, signaling the importance of this political realignment. The ceremony witnessed the swearing-in of two Deputy Chief Ministers from the BJP - Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.
Political Earthquake in Bihar
The political drama unfolded when Nitish Kumar, who had been leading the Mahagathbandhan government with RJD's support, decided to break away from the alliance. This move came after growing differences with RJD leadership, particularly concerning the functioning of the administration and coordination within the ruling coalition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his satisfaction with the development, stating that the NDA government in Bihar would work tirelessly for the state's progress. The presence of top central leadership at the ceremony underscored the BJP's commitment to this new alliance structure.
New Cabinet Composition and Key Appointments
The new cabinet features significant representation from all NDA partners. Apart from the two Deputy Chief Ministers from BJP, the government includes ministers from JD(U), BJP, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).
Chirag Paswan, president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has been given a cabinet position, marking his formal entry into the state government. This inclusion is seen as a strategic move to consolidate the Dalit vote bank in Bihar.
Other notable appointments include:
- Samrat Choudhary - Deputy Chief Minister
- Vijay Kumar Sinha - Deputy Chief Minister
- Santosh Kumar Suman (HAM) - Cabinet Minister
- Vijay Kumar Choudhary (JD-U) - Cabinet Minister
Historical Context and Political Implications
This marks Nitish Kumar's ninth term as Chief Minister of Bihar, cementing his position as one of India's most enduring political leaders. His ability to switch alliances while maintaining his leadership position has become a defining characteristic of Bihar politics.
The timing of this political shift is significant, coming just months before the crucial Lok Sabha elections. Political analysts see this move as having substantial implications for the 2024 general elections, particularly in Bihar's 40 parliamentary constituencies.
The new NDA government in Bihar now comprises JD(U), BJP, HAM, and LJP(RV), creating a formidable coalition that claims to represent diverse social groups across the state. The government has immediately pledged to focus on development agenda and good governance.
This political realignment has effectively ended the Mahagathbandhan experiment in Bihar, leaving RJD and Congress in opposition. The stability of the new government and its performance in the upcoming months will be closely watched as Bihar prepares for both development challenges and electoral battles.
