Bihar Cabinet talks center on 1:6 MLA formula; BJP likely to get 16, JD(U) 14 ministerial posts

Speculation about the division of Cabinet berths within the National Democratic Alliance took centre stage on Sunday as key parties moved swiftly toward forming the next Bihar government.

- VINAY KUMAR, SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

Discussions between the BJP, JD(U) and smaller allies are converging around a formula that would distribute one ministerial position for every six MLAs, shaping expectations about which partner will gain what in the new administration. According to leaders familiar with the closed-door negotiations, the BJP could secure around 15 to 16 ministerial posts, the JD(U) around 14, and smaller allies such as the LJP(RV), HAM and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha could receive three, one and one, respectively.

While the numbers broadly reflect the strength of each party in the new Assembly, leaders cautioned that negotiations on portfolios and senior positions are still underway. According to reports, the Speaker's post is expected to go to JD(U).

The formula is part of an early agreement reached after the NDA won a decisive mandate in the recently concluded polls, securing 202 out of 243 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, closely followed by Nitish Kumar's JD(U) with 85. These figures, combined with a strike rate approaching 95 per cent for the BJP, have given both partners significant bargaining power as they prepare to shape the next Cabinet. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Union minister Chirag Paswan, won 19 seats. Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) gained 5, and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha 4. All three smaller constituents are now in talks with the BJP to finalise their share in the government.