In a significant political development, the newly-formed Nitish Kumar-led BJP-JD(U) alliance government in Bihar is set to undergo a crucial test of strength today, marking the commencement of the budget session in the state assembly.
With a comfortable majority of 128 members in the 243-member Bihar assembly, the BJP-JD(U) combine appears well-positioned to pass the trust vote, given that the majority mark stands at 122. The alliance comprises 78 BJP members, 45 from Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United, and an additional four from Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha. The remaining seat is held by an Independent MLA. In contrast, the opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal and supported by the Congress, holds a total of 114 seats.
Amidst the political proceedings, Bihar assembly Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary, belonging to the RJD, faces a no-confidence motion as several leaders from the BJP-led NDA seek his removal. This motion is expected to be addressed immediately after the Governor’s inaugural address during the budget session.
RJD MP Manoj Jha highlighted that the JD(U) and BJP would require the support of half the total members to successfully remove the Speaker. However, given the NDA’s numerical advantage, it is anticipated that they will easily overcome this hurdle.
Speculation surrounds Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary’s position, as he has, thus far, resisted stepping down. However, there are suggestions that he might resign today to avoid the embarrassment of a potential vote of no confidence. Notably, the trust vote has been preceded by rumors of several RJD MLAs going missing.
Late on Sunday evening, senior police officers visited the Patna residence of Tejashwi Yadav following a complaint that RJD MLA Chetan Anand was allegedly “missing.” However, a video surfaced showing Chetan Anand playing cricket at Tejashwi’s residence.
Nitish Kumar, who took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for an unprecedented ninth time on January 28, cited the “not right” state of affairs within the Grand Alliance as the reason for his departure. Sources suggest his dissatisfaction stemmed from a lack of clarity in the INDIA bloc’s poll preparations and being overlooked as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate.
This move marked Nitish Kumar’s departure from the Grand Alliance and the Opposition bloc INDIA, opting to form a new government with the BJP, despite having severed ties with them less than 18 months ago. The unfolding political scenario in Bihar continues to draw attention as the alliance navigates the trust vote and potential changes in key positions within the state assembly.
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