Firecrackers are still exploding in and around the offices of the JD(U) and the RJD and residences of Nitish Kumar and lalu Prasad. Sweets too continue doing the rounds. And amid the celebrations, Nitish and lalu on Monday met possibly to hold initial talks on the Government formation, the most crucial process post the landslide victory of the Mahagathbandhan. But, neither Nitish nor lalu gave any political statement.
Nitish remained busy throughout the day meeting supporters and well wishers besides the newly elected legislators who visited him and greeted him with bouquets. Nitish had on Sunday said they were not in a haste for swearing-in as there was plenty of time since the tenure of the present Assembly will expire on November 29.
However, sources in the Grand Alliance said that Nitish might take oath as CM after Diwali and before Chhath on November 17-18 with 36 Ministers. There is no official confirmation yet.
The formula for the share of the three parties in the Cabinet is likely to be one Minister on every set of five legislators, sources said adding that under this formula 16 Ministers would be from RJD, 15 from JD(U), including the CM, and five from the Congress. It is also expected that the post of the Speaker could go to the Congress.
In view of the results which gave the RJD more seats than the JD(U), Nitish will have to take any decision about the Government formation and inclusion of the Ministers only after consultation and approval of “Big Brother” lalu.
Both lalu and his younger son Tejashwi Yadav refused to comment on the Government formation and his possible elevation as Deputy CM.
“Whatever responsibility the leaders will give me, I will accept and try my best to deliver,” said Tejashwi, who also celebrated his birthday on Monday.
The RJD boss during campaign in Raghopur, from where Tejashwi won his debut electoral battle, had promised to the people that his younger son would get an important assignment after Government formation which triggered speculation that he might be made the Deputy CM.
With lalu’s re-emergence as the most powerful leader, he is sure to call the shots on the issue of importance, including Government formation.
However, refusing to comment on the Government formation, lalu instead continued his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the Bihar result amply showed the public anger against him for non-fulfilling the promises he made during the lok Sabha polls and “his attempts to communalise the society.” He declared, “Very soon I will launch a battle against the communal forces.”