BJP and JDU Lock Horns Over Speaker’s Post as Bihar Government Takes Shape

Bihar: Political turmoil has intensified regarding laying the foundation of the new NDA government in Bihar. A round of meetings is going on in both Delhi and Patna to finalize the outline of the government. The biggest tug of war is currently being seen for the post of Assembly Speaker, where both BJP and JDU are firm on their claims.

Why so much tussle over the Speaker's chair?

According to sources, BJP wants to keep the post of Speaker at any cost. Nand Kishore Yadav was in the same post in the previous assembly also. Whereas JDU argues that the government is a coalition and it should also get an equal share. JDU's Narendra Narayan Yadav was earlier the deputy speaker, so the party is now demanding a higher post.

How important is the meeting to be held in Delhi?

The top meeting of BJP and JDU is going to be held in New Delhi on Tuesday, in which, apart from the post of Speaker, the distribution of big ministries will also be decided. Senior JDU leaders Sanjay Jha and Lalan Singh are preparing to leave for Delhi. BJP's meetings continued in Patna till late Monday night.

What will the small parties of NDA get?

Dharmendra Pradhan is holding separate talks with younger NDA allies—Chirag Paswan, Jitan Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha. Sources reveal that all three parties have agreed on his role. A formula has been developed within the NDA: one ministerial post for every six MLAs.

The timeline for government formation clear

Separate legislative party meetings of the BJP and JDU have been called on 19 November. After this, there will be a joint meeting of the entire NDA including both parties. The most important date has been kept as 20th November, when the swearing-in ceremony of the new NDA government will take place at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

What is Nitish Kumar's next move?

On Monday, Nitish Kumar met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and recommended dissolution of the current assembly after November 20. He will meet the governor again on Wednesday and submit his resignation letter and support letter of NDA MLAs. Nitish Kumar will take oath as the Chief Minister, and a new cabinet will also be formed with him.

The politics of Bihar is once again at a sharp turn, and the next 48 hours will decide who will have what share in the government.