Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to make a big move. According to sources, the Bihar CM is all set to ditch the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance) and return to the NDA fold.
A deal has reportedly been sealed with the BJP’s central leadership in this regard. The said deal includes deputy CM and a few ministers from the BJP.
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Another report claimed that former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM has also sought two ministerial post for its lawmakers.
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While there has been no official words from any of the parties involved, the situation is likely to be cleared by Sunday.
Meanwhile, Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav has also hinted twist in the take during the meeting of RJD leaders and lawmakers. He reportedly told the MLAs that the game is yet to start.
The Congress party, in all likelihood, will stay with the RJD – be it in power or in the Opposition.
Amid all the speculations, here is a look at how numbers stack up in Bihar:
A party or alliance needs 122 seats to form government in 243-member strong Bihar legislative assembly.
With 79 MLAs, the RJD is the single largest party. The BJP is the second with 78 seats, followed by Nitish Kumar-led JD(U)’s 45 seats.
The Congress has 19 MLAs in Bihar, while Jitan Ram Manjhi’s party HAM has four lawmakers.
The Left, and other constituents including the independent account for the remaining 18 seats.
Currently, the Mahagathbandhan of the RJD, JD(U), Congress and other allies has 159 seats.
If Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) pulls out of the grand alliance, it’s strength will come down to 114, eight short of the majority mark.
At the same time, if he JD(U) goes with the BJP, they will have 123 members, one more than the required numbers. With JAM’s support this will increase to 127.
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