Get ready for a political shakeup in Bihar! The stage is set for a new government, and the excitement is palpable.
The Election Commission is all geared up to present the results of the 18th Bihar Assembly elections to Governor Rajendra Arlekar today. This crucial step will initiate the formation of the new Assembly, and the Model Code of Conduct will be lifted officially.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is taking charge, calling a cabinet meeting on Monday to approve the dissolution of the 17th Assembly. He’s expected to resign soon after, paving the way for the NDA’s constituent parties to choose their new leader and stake their claim to form the government.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the NDA has secured a clear majority in the 18th Assembly. The BJP leads the pack with 89 seats, closely followed by Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) with 85. Among the smaller parties, LJP (Ramvilas) and HAM (Secular) made their mark, while the Mahagathbandhan managed only 35 seats.
This mandate is a stark contrast to 2020, when the Mahagathbandhan was a formidable force. This time, the opposition seems to have lost its steam.
The RJD’s performance fell short, and the Congress suffered a significant setback, winning just 6 seats. Their vote share, though slightly lower than 2020, didn’t translate into seats due to organizational weaknesses and poor candidate selection.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is expected on November 19 or 20, depending on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s schedule. Preparations are underway at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, with PM Modi and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states likely to grace the occasion.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of these elections extends beyond Bihar. It sets the tone for future political strategies and alliances, especially with the upcoming elections in other states.
So, what do you think? Is this a new beginning for Bihar, or is there more to this story? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!