Patna 9 Aug : With an expected change in Bihar the new government expected to be put together with the assistance of Mahagathbandhan will be more suited to Nitish Kumar more in and both in regards of numbers and also adhering to his socialist ethos that is in sync with the RJD, Congress and the Left parties.As far as numbers are in the matter the JD(U) has 45 MLAs and has the backing of an independent candidate Sumit Singh.
LJP MLA Raj Kumar Singh also merged with the JD(U).Jitan Ram Manjhi’s led Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) is already decided to remain with Nitish Kumar.The HAM has four MLAs.The final count of MLAs with Nitish Kumar is 51.
In the Mahagathbandhan front the RJD had 80 MLAs, but since MLA Anant Singh lost his legislation after the MLA-MLC Court of Patna sentenced him to 10 years in jail in AK 47, hand grenade, and bulletproof jacket cases, RJD was reduced to 79.However, it is the largest political party in Bihar Assembly.
In addition to the RJD, Congress has 19 MLAs, CPI (ML) has 12 MLAs, CPI has 2 and CPI(M) also has two seats.Thus, Nitish Kumar will have the support of 165 MLAs.
The Bihar Assembly has 243 seats and needs 122 seats each party or alliance to show the majority and form a government.The ‘165’ number would allow Nitish Kumar more at ease to lead the government.
He will be looking to include all parties in his cabinet , to ensure that the government runs smoothly.
On the other the other hand the time Nitish Kumar was the head of his government under the umbrella of NDA, he was receiving the support of 77 MLAs of BJP in addition to four MLAs of HAM as well as 46 MLAs of his own party JD(U) and one independent MLA Sumit Singh.
Nitish Kumar may also be at ease with Mahagathbandhan because of his social democrat image.Kumar is an influential leader who came from the JP movement and was under Karpoori Thakur.
When he was with the BJP his socialist image was damaged.Since he is planning to join Mahagathbandhan the issue of course correction is one of the priorities for the near future sources said.
ajk/dpb
