Bihar: Focus to shift to CM's style of functioning, Tejashwi's promises

The new Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar, which Nitish Kumar will now head, is unlikely to be a replica of the JDU-RJD-Congress government of 2015. While Kumar will have to deal with a much more matured Tejashwi Yadav, the latter will have to find smarter ways to increase his party's say in the administration.

Kumar is known for not allowing intervention in the smooth running of his government, particularly in matters relating to the "transfer and posting" of officers. After joining the government, Yadav is likely to face public pressure to fulfil his poll promise to provide jobs to youths in Bihar. In the 2020 assembly elections, he had promised 10 lakh jobs if the grand alliance was voted to power.

Another challenge for the new government will be tackling the illicit liquor trade which has been flourishing despite prohibition. Yadav had been attacking the NDA government headed by Nitish over the police failure to stop the sale of illicit liquor in the state.


Sources said Yadav told his party leaders, including MLAs who were present at Tuesday's meeting, that he wants to save the democracy and thus, he has taken the decision to join hands with Kumar. "We will stick to our development agenda while remaining in the government," he told his legislators.

"We are socialist people and we are capable of carrying our legacy. We are united on several issues like caste-based census in the past. Nitish Kumar is the most experienced chief minister of the country. The decision to become the prime ministerial candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha election would be his own decision," Yadav said.

The focus of the new government will apparently be on carrying out the caste census which the Bihar government has already decided to conduct. Those to be involved in the exercise are to be given proper training. The new government is supposed to complete this task in the first half of 2023.

Another challenge for the new Mahagathbandhan will be to ensure the proper implementation of 'Seven Commitments-Part 2'. Sources in JDU said it was the most successful scheme of the Nitish rule and the CM always gives top priority to it. "However, it will be difficult for the Mahagathbandhan government if it fails to get proper help from the Centre," a source in JDU said.

There are uncertainties regarding allocation of ministries. It is to be seen if Kumar once again keeps the home portfolio with himself. "From the RJD quota, Awadh Bihari Choudhari and Alok Mehta may become ministers. RJD may get the post of Speaker," a source in Bihar said.