Following the National Democratic Alliance’s sweeping win in the Bihar assembly elections, coalition partners on Saturday shifted their focus to government formation. Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan met chief minister Nitish Kumar in Patna, signalling his party’s intent to “actively participate” in the new government.
The meeting at Nitish Kumar’s residence marked the first public appearance of the 74-year-old JD(U) chief since the election results were announced. Paswan, whose party won 19 of the 28 seats it contested, said they were ready to be a part of the government—a departure from their earlier stance of supporting the administration from outside due to lack of legislative representation.
While Paswan had previously criticised Nitish Kumar over alleged shortcomings in law and order, he now accused the opposition of creating a “false narrative” about their strained relationship. He voiced support for Kumar to continue as chief minister but refrained from commenting on whether the LJP(RV) would seek the deputy chief minister’s post, adding that such decisions would be taken collectively by NDA partners.
He noted, “It is for the legislators to decide who should be the next CM or deputy CM. I personally feel that Nitish Kumar should continue to head the government.”
The previous Bihar government had two deputy chief ministers—BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha—both of whom secured decisive wins in their constituencies. It remains to be seen whether the two-deputy-CM model will continue in the new administration.