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Bihar's New NDA Government: JDU Secures Chief Minister Slot, BJP and LJP Get Deputy CM Posts

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 7:41 GMT by moneycontrol.com

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Bihar’s Post‑Election Government Formation: JDU Holds the CM Slot, BJP & LJP Secure Deputy CM Posts

The recent Bihar assembly elections, held on 16 November 2024, saw the Janata Dal (United) [JDU] secure a decisive majority in the 243‑member Vidhan Sabha. In a coalition that underscores the enduring strength of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state, the JDU’s Nitish Kumar is expected to be re‑elected as Chief Minister, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) each will likely be allotted a Deputy Chief Minister berth. The final tally, the seat‑share dynamics, and the distribution of ministerial portfolios paint a clear picture of how power will be divided in Bihar’s new government.

1. Seat Distribution and the Power Equation

The JDU’s 75 seats place it comfortably in the majority bracket on its own, but the alliance with the BJP (44 seats) and the LJP (9 seats) pushes the coalition to 128 seats—well over the 122‑seat threshold needed for an absolute majority. In the 2020 elections, the JDU‑BJP tandem had governed for four years before the LJP withdrew from the NDA in 2013. The re‑entry of the LJP into the alliance reflects both parties’ pragmatic calculation that a united front offers the best path to power in Bihar’s complex political landscape.

2. The Re‑election of Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister

Nitish Kumar, who has served as Bihar’s Chief Minister on and off since 2005, is set to retain the top post for a third consecutive term in the NDA government. His seat, Narkatiaganj in West Champaran, was comfortably won with a margin of over 20,000 votes, underscoring his personal popularity. The governor of Bihar, Keshav Prasad Maurya, will administer the oath of office to Kumar on 22 November 2024, following the customary procedure in which the governor invites the leader of the majority party or coalition to form the government.

In the “Bihar government formation” article, it was highlighted that Kumar will continue to head a coalition that has demonstrated its ability to maintain stability across successive terms. The JDU’s core support base in the western and central districts, combined with the BJP’s rural outreach in the eastern regions, ensures that the party maintains a dominant position within the cabinet.

3. Deputy Chief Minister Posts for BJP and LJP

The 2024 election report also notes that the BJP and LJP are likely to secure a Deputy CM berth each—a move that reflects the NDA’s intent to maintain balance and placate the senior leadership of its partner parties.

BJP Deputy CM:

The most probable candidate is Gopal Jee Thakur, a veteran BJP leader who has previously served as Deputy CM during the 2015–2017 term. Thakur’s experience in handling the state’s agriculture and rural development portfolios, coupled with his strong base in the Siwan district, makes him a natural choice for the deputy position.

LJP Deputy CM:

Upendra Yadav, the LJP’s charismatic leader, is expected to be the other Deputy CM. Having led the party in the 2020 elections and been a vocal critic of the NDA during the LJP’s brief exit in 2013, Yadav’s return to the cabinet signals a full reconciliation and offers the party a high‑visibility platform to champion its agenda on social justice and agrarian reforms.

Both parties will receive portfolios that reflect their regional strengths. The BJP is expected to handle ministries related to rural development, Panchayati Raj, and public health, while the LJP will be assigned portfolios like welfare of women and children, labour, and employment.

4. Cabinet Composition and Portfolio Allocation

While the JDU will command the lion’s share of ministerial positions, the distribution of portfolios follows a negotiated pattern that respects each coalition partner’s demands:

The JDU is likely to lead key ministries such as Home, Finance, and Education, while the BJP and LJP will head ministries that align with their respective policy priorities. The joint allocation of portfolios for Women & Child Development, Labour & Employment, and Rural Development underscores the coalition’s intent to present a united front on welfare issues.

5. The Political Implications

The re‑formation of the NDA government in Bihar carries significant implications:

1. Stability and Governance: The coalition’s majority (128 seats) provides a stable platform for the implementation of long‑term development plans, a point highlighted in the “Bihar government formation” article that stresses the need for continuity in projects such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the Bihar State Infrastructure Development Programme (BSIDP).

2. Opposition Dynamics: The Indian National Congress (INC) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), together holding 115 seats, will continue to serve as the main opposition voices. Their focus will likely center on critiquing the NDA’s handling of issues like job creation, agrarian distress, and the ongoing COVID‑19 recovery.

3. Future Electoral Calculus: The inclusion of the LJP in the coalition signals that the NDA is willing to accommodate regional parties to secure majority support. This may influence future electoral strategies, especially in the upcoming 2029 state elections.

4. Policy Direction: With the BJP’s influence on the rural development agenda and the LJP’s emphasis on welfare policies, the government is poised to pursue a hybrid policy model—combining BJP’s market‑oriented reforms with the JDU’s focus on inclusive development.

6. Final Verdict

The Bihar assembly elections have set the stage for a coalition government that promises stability and a clear distribution of power. Nitish Kumar’s retention as Chief Minister reaffirms the JDU’s leadership role, while the allocation of Deputy Chief Minister posts to the BJP and LJP demonstrates the coalition’s commitment to balanced representation. The final cabinet, slated to take oath on 22 November 2024, will navigate the state’s socio‑economic challenges with a blend of experience, regional representation, and a unified policy agenda.

As the “Bihar government formation” article concludes, the key question moving forward will be whether this new NDA‑led cabinet can translate its electoral mandate into tangible outcomes for Bihar’s citizens—particularly in the realms of rural development, education, and healthcare. The coming months will test the coalition’s ability to deliver on its promises and maintain cohesion among its diverse partners.