In a significant political development, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar emerged victorious in the trust vote held at the Bihar State Assembly on Monday, February 12. The government secured the trust of 130 MLAs from the BJP-JDU coalition, paving the way for the commencement of the budget session in the Bihar assembly.
The Opposition chose to walk out ahead of the floor test, resulting in zero votes against the motion. The trust vote holds paramount importance as it sets the tone for the upcoming legislative sessions and the governance agenda of the state.
The Bihar Assembly comprises 243 members, and political parties must cross the halfway mark of 122 to form the government. Leading up to the trust vote, three RJD MLAs were observed sitting at the ruling side benches in the assembly, indicating internal shifts within the political landscape.
MLAs’ Preparations Before the Trust Vote
Before the crucial trust vote, the MLAs of the Janata Dal United (JDU) were camped at Hotel Chanakya near the Patna assembly, showcasing a strategic approach to the political event. In contrast, RJD MLAs were engaged in recreational activities such as playing cricket and chess at the residence of Tejashwi Yadav. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserted that their MLAs were sent for a training workshop at Bodh Gaya ahead of the crucial votes, while the Congress party moved its MLAs to a resort in Hyderabad.
Nitish Kumar’s Political Maneuver
In a notable shift, Nitish Kumar, earlier part of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) comprising RJD, Congress, and Left parties, chose to return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The political realignment saw Nitish Kumar taking oath as the Chief Minister for the ninth time on January 28, The decision to desert the Mahagathbandhan was justified by Nitish Kumar, citing that the state of affairs within the coalition was “not right.”
The trust vote outcome not only solidifies Nitish Kumar’s political position but also shapes the course of governance and policies in Bihar. The victory is expected to have repercussions on the political dynamics in the state in the upcoming months.
