Patna: Nitish Kumar is set to take the oath as Chief Minister once again, alongside the BJP's 78 MLAs, tomorrow at 4:00 pm. The combined strength of the JD(U) with 45 MLAs and the BJP with 78 MLAs totals 123, ensuring a sufficient majority to establish the new government. While the Congress holds 19 MLAs, there is speculation that some may switch allegiance to support the new BJP and JD(U) coalition government. On the other hand, the BJP Bihar's meeting is under since evening. It is likely that the letter of support will be singed at the conclusion of this meeting. Jeetan Ram Manjhi held a party meeting with his 3 MLAs and declared the support of 4 MLAs including him, saying he will go where the Prime Minister Modi goes.
In the event of JD(U) withdrawing, and with the RJD intending to assert its claim to form the government in collaboration with the Left parties, the coalition would require an additional eight MLAs to secure power in the state. Without the JD(U), the combined strength of Lalu's RJD and the Left would reach 114 MLAs, falling eight short of the halfway mark needed for a majority.
At this point, the RJD's last resort lies in the hands of the RJD's Vidhansabha Speaker, who, if strategically adept, could potentially impact the delicate balance. While the BJP and JDU may manage to reach the magic figure of 123, it remains a somewhat precarious majority. There's a possibility that a no-confidence motion could be initiated against Awadh Bihari Choudhary as soon as the new government is sworn in. It's worth noting that the removal of the speaker from office can be achieved through a resolution passed in the assembly, requiring an effective majority of its members to support the decision.