The party of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is conducting a critical meeting of the legislature today in Patna, and it is a crucial move towards the establishment of the new state government. As the alliance has earned a comfortable majority in the last assembly elections, the agenda of the current meeting is likely to be on the election of the legislative party leader, appointment of the deputy chief minister(s) and the ministerial portfolios are likely to be shared among the coalition partners.
The summit is against the backdrop of great political manoeuvres, internal consultations and intra-alliance negotiations that have taken place in the NDA alliance. Although it is common knowledge that Nitish Kumar should be reelected as the leader of the legislative party, which would enable him to assume an oath of office as Chief Minister, today, it is the issue of power sharing among the allies that is of great debate. The position of deputy chief minister, cabinet force and portfolio assignment are the key issues of discussion.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha and others are all clamorously holding out to have substantial representation at the new cabinet. The smaller allies are also demanding significant posts to enhance their political status, whereas the larger parties are juggling between the necessity to have harmony in the alliance and to have a smooth ruling party. The NDA leadership should come up with a power-sharing agreement that will accommodate the electoral performance and also the regional and social representation.
The number of deputy chief ministers that the new government will have will also be decided in the present meeting. In recent years, the presence of multiple deputy CMs within a coalition government, particularly in the states where the representatives of the alliance want to be seen, has become a typical trait. Though the latter decision will convey powerful messages regarding domestic political formulas and the trend of the new government.
After the leadership is elected and the cabinet arrangements are done, the swearing-in will be the next stage, which is supposed to take place shortly after the legislative session. Key national and state leaders should be expected to be present at the event.
The moves made today will influence the new government of Bihar and its administrative priorities in the short term. As NDA is about to assume back the power, there is a high expectation of governance and notably in areas like employment, rural development, agriculture, education and law and order. As the alliance struggles to strike a balance in the politics and expectations of the people, the current meeting can be regarded as a milestone towards the next government of Bihar.
