Bihar – Bihar is witnessing a momentous political event on Thursday as the state’s fresh cabinet prepares to take oath at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan. While JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar is set to reclaim the chief minister position for a record 10th time, intense speculation surrounds the selection of the Bihar deputy CM, with several prominent leaders positioning themselves for this coveted role.
Historic Oath Ceremony at Gandhi Maidan
All eyes are fixed on the grand oath-taking ceremony scheduled for Thursday at Gandhi Maidan, one of Bihar’s most significant political venues. Nitish Kumar, the state’s longest-serving chief minister, is poised to lead the new National Democratic Alliance government following the coalition’s emphatic victory in the recent assembly elections.
The ceremony represents not just the formation of a new government but also the continuation of Nitish Kumar’s nearly two-decade-long political dominance in Bihar. However, the question of who will serve as Bihar deputy CM has emerged as the most discussed aspect of the government formation, with multiple contenders making strong cases for their selection.
Leading Contenders for Bihar Deputy CM
The race for the Bihar deputy CM position features several prominent figures from the NDA coalition, primarily from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, who served as Nitish Kumar’s deputies in the previous regime, are once again eyeing these key positions, leveraging their experience and proven track record in state administration.
On Wednesday, the BJP legislature party made crucial decisions that provide strong hints about the Bihar deputy CM selections. Samrat Chaudhary was chosen as the BJP legislature party leader, while Vijay Kumar Sinha was elected as the deputy leader. These appointments suggest that both leaders are frontrunners for retaining their positions as deputy chief ministers in the new government.
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The duo’s selection as party leaders indicates the BJP’s confidence in their administrative capabilities and political acumen. Their performance in the previous government and their electoral victories in the recent polls have strengthened their claims to the Bihar deputy CM posts.
Samrat Chaudhary’s Electoral Victory
Samrat Chaudhary demonstrated his political strength by securing victory from the Tarapur constituency in the recent assembly elections. He defeated strong opponents including RJD’s Arun Kumar and Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP)’s Sakaldeo Bind, consolidating his position as a key BJP leader in Bihar.
Chaudhary’s electoral success from Tarapur, combined with his experience as the outgoing Bihar deputy CM, makes him a natural choice for continuing in this role. His administrative track record and ability to navigate coalition politics have been noted by party leadership, positioning him favorably for retention in the new cabinet.
Vijay Kumar Sinha’s Political Standing
Vijay Kumar Sinha secured victory from the Lakhisarai constituency, further cementing his position within the BJP’s Bihar leadership. As the deputy leader of the BJP legislature party, Sinha’s role in the new government appears significant, though there are indications he might be considered for alternative important positions.
Sources suggest that while Sinha remains a contender for the Bihar deputy CM position, he is also being considered as a candidate for the Speaker’s post in the Bihar assembly. The Speaker’s position is a prestigious role that carries significant constitutional importance and could represent an equally valuable appointment for the senior BJP leader.
Mangal Pandey in the Mix
Adding another dimension to the Bihar deputy CM race is Mangal Pandey of the BJP, who has emerged as an additional candidate being considered for the coveted post. Pandey’s inclusion in the deliberations indicates that the party is evaluating multiple options before finalizing the deputy chief minister positions.
Pandey secured the Siwan seat for the NDA in the recent elections, demonstrating his electoral appeal and political relevance. His candidacy for the Bihar deputy CM position reflects the party’s attempt to balance various considerations including regional representation, caste equations, and administrative experience.
Chirag Paswan’s Aspirations
An interesting subplot in the Bihar deputy CM deliberations involves Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Lok Sabha MP Chirag Paswan, who has reportedly expressed interest in securing one of the deputy chief minister positions. As the leader of a party with 19 MLAs, Paswan’s LJP(RV) is seen as a crucial mobilizer of Dalit votes within the NDA coalition.
However, Paswan’s aspirations for the Bihar deputy CM post have reportedly faced resistance from both the BJP and JD(U). The larger alliance partners have held extensive internal consultations to discuss ministerial roles and the structure of the new government, and the current indications suggest that the deputy chief minister positions are likely to remain with the BJP.
Cabinet Composition and Ministerial Roles
With JD(U) electing Nitish Kumar as the leader of the NDA legislature party in the state, preparations are underway for 20 other ministers to take oath alongside the chief minister. The distribution of portfolios and the selection of the Bihar deputy CM remain subjects of intense negotiation among the alliance partners.
The parties of the NDA alliance group held extensive internal consultations on Tuesday to discuss ministerial roles and ensure balanced representation across the coalition. These discussions have been crucial in determining not just the Bihar deputy CM selections but also the allocation of key portfolios among the various alliance partners.
Political Significance of Deputy CM Selection
The selection of the Bihar deputy CM carries immense political significance beyond just administrative considerations. These positions must balance multiple factors including regional representation, caste dynamics, political experience, and coalition management skills. The deputy chief ministers play crucial roles in coordinating between the coalition partners and ensuring smooth governance.
The BJP’s dominant position in the alliance, having emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, gives it considerable leverage in determining the Bihar deputy CM selections. However, maintaining coalition harmony with JD(U) and other partners requires careful negotiation and balanced representation in the cabinet.
Awaiting Final Announcement
As Bihar prepares for the oath-taking ceremony at Gandhi Maidan, the final announcement regarding the Bihar deputy CM positions is expected shortly. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will receive the complete list of ministers on Thursday morning, with the selected leaders being informed just ahead of the ceremony.
The resolution of the Bihar deputy CM question will provide clarity on the new government’s power structure and signal the coalition’s priorities for the coming term. Whether Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha retain their positions, or whether new faces emerge in these crucial roles, will be revealed as the ceremony unfolds at Gandhi Maidan.
