Patna, Bihar – Following a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, political discussions have intensified regarding the formation of the new government. Sources indicate that Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] is likely to retain the Chief Minister's post, potentially marking his tenth term. The BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the state for the first time.
The NDA secured a clear majority with 202 seats in the 243-member assembly, leaving the Mahagathbandhan opposition far behind with just 35 seats. Within the NDA, the BJP leads with 89 seats, closely followed by JD(U) with 85. Smaller alliance partners, including Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)], Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) [HAM(S)], and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, have secured 19, 5, and 4 seats respectively. The BJP and the JD(U) contested an equal number of seats each – 101 – for the first time.
Speculation is rife regarding the allocation of cabinet positions. Sources suggest an initial agreement on a formula that could allocate one ministerial berth for every six MLAs. Under this formula, the BJP is expected to secure approximately 15 or 16 ministerial positions, while the JDU may receive 14. LJP(Ram Vilas) is expected to get three ministerial berths.
Informal discussions have already commenced, with Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. JDU's working president Sanjay Jha and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh also met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss government formation. Upendra Kushwaha, leader of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, has also travelled to Delhi to meet with Amit Shah.
Several key events are scheduled in the coming days. A meeting of the JD(U) legislature party will be held to elect Nitish Kumar as their leader. All five NDA constituent parties will hold separate meetings to elect their respective legislative party leaders, followed by a joint meeting to choose the NDA leader. The Election Commission is expected to submit the results of the 18th Bihar Assembly elections to Governor Rajendra Arlekar, after which the notification for the new Assembly's formation will be issued, and the Model Code of Conduct will be lifted.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is anticipated to take place on November 19 or 20 at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, contingent on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's availability. Preparations are already underway at the venue. Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states are likely to attend the ceremony.
This election marks a significant shift in Bihar's political landscape. The BJP's rise to the position of the largest party reflects its growing influence in the state. Meanwhile, the performance of the Mahagathbandhan, particularly the RJD and Congress, fell short of expectations. Internal differences have surfaced within the RJD, with Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, announcing her resignation from the party.
