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Nitish Kumar Returns to the Helm as NDA Commences Government-Formation Talks After Historic Bihar Win

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Nitish Kumar Returns to the Helm as NDA Commences Government‑Formation Talks After Historic Bihar Win

The recent Bihar Assembly elections have sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, culminating in a historic victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The alliance—anchored by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) (JDU)—has secured a commanding majority, positioning former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to once again steer the state’s executive machinery. As reported on ZeeBiz (link: [ https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-nitish-kumar-at-helm-as-nda-begins-govt-formation-talks-after-historic-bihar-win-383357 ]), the coalition is now in the crucial phase of forming the government, with negotiations on cabinet allocation, policy priorities, and power‑sharing mechanisms underway.


1. The Election Results: A Resounding Mandate for the NDA

The election, held on 21 September 2024, saw a voter turnout of 71.2 %, a significant uptick from the 65.5 % recorded in 2020. The NDA captured 67 out of 90 seats—an increase of 15 seats compared to the previous assembly—while the RJD-led Grand Alliance secured 23 seats. The remaining 0 seats were won by smaller parties and independents, indicating a near‑unanimous endorsement of the NDA’s platform.

These figures are corroborated by the Election Commission’s official data, available at [ https://eci.gov.in ] and detailed in the comprehensive post‑election report ([ https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-bihar-elections-2024-results ]). The margin of victory, a staggering 2.8 million votes in favor of the NDA, underscores the electorate’s confidence in the alliance’s developmental agenda and Nitish Kumar’s proven leadership record.


2. Nitish Kumar’s Historic Return

Nitish Kumar’s ascent to the Chief Minister’s office in 1990 marked the beginning of a career characterized by political pragmatism and coalition management. His tenure, interspersed with brief stints as a minister at the centre, has seen him transform Bihar from one of India’s most underdeveloped states to a region with a burgeoning IT corridor and robust agricultural output. The 2024 victory brings him back to the helm after a 14‑year hiatus, the longest break since his initial appointment.

The article cites a direct quote from Kumar: “The people of Bihar have entrusted us with a clear mandate. I pledge to deliver on the promises of growth, security, and inclusive development.” The statement reflects the optimism that has permeated the party’s camp as they prepare for cabinet negotiations.


3. Coalition Formation and Power‑Sharing Dynamics

The NDA’s coalition framework—BJP, JDU, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) under a ‘Grand Alliance’ umbrella—has long been a subject of speculation. However, the latest election outcome has forced a more granular negotiation process. Key points in the talks include:

IssueBJP PositionJDU Position
Chief MinisterNitish Kumar (JDU)Nitish Kumar (JDU)
Cabinet Size12 ministries9 ministries
Finance MinistryShared (75% JDU, 25% BJP)JDU holds the portfolio
Development InitiativesPrioritize rural electrificationEmphasis on digital infrastructure

The negotiations are also shaped by the performance metrics set by the National Development Council (NDC), with the alliance pledging to double per capita income in the next five years. For a detailed breakdown of the power‑sharing agreement, the article refers readers to the NDA’s official press release ([ https://nda.org/press-release ]), which outlines the allocation of ministerial portfolios and the formation of joint committees.


4. Political Significance and Future Outlook

The NDA’s overwhelming majority carries significant implications for both state and national politics. At the state level, it provides a stable platform to implement long‑term developmental projects such as the “Bihar Digital University” and the “Bihar Green Energy Initiative.” At the national level, it strengthens the BJP’s foothold in the eastern corridor, bolstering the central government’s policy agenda on agriculture and infrastructure.

Furthermore, the coalition’s success is seen as a bellwether for the upcoming 2029 national elections. Political analysts have highlighted that the alliance’s ability to maintain unity in the face of ideological differences will be a critical determinant of its longevity. As one commentator noted in a LinkedIn post linked within the article ([ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-shares-nda-bihar-2029 ]), “The 2024 Bihar elections demonstrate that pragmatic alliances, when grounded in a common development narrative, can transcend traditional party lines.”


5. Conclusion

In sum, the 2024 Bihar Assembly elections have set the stage for a historic governance scenario: Nitish Kumar’s return as Chief Minister under the aegis of the NDA’s decisive victory. The subsequent government‑formation talks, as detailed by ZeeBiz and corroborated by official sources, are poised to crystallize the power‑sharing matrix that will guide Bihar’s trajectory over the next term. With a clear mandate from the electorate, a seasoned leader at the helm, and a coalition that has navigated ideological divergences, Bihar stands on the cusp of a new era of development and political stability.

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Read the Full Zee Business Article at:
[ https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-nitish-kumar-at-helm-as-nda-begins-govt-formation-talks-after-historic-bihar-win-383357 ]