Sources in BJP said that the prime minister’s backing – “we will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the promises made to the people of Bihar under Nitishji’s leadership” – should comfort the head of JD (U) and help him deal with any awkwardness about taking over an alliance in which his party has far fewer seats than the BJP, so far the junior partner.
The outgoing power-sharing arrangement, in keeping with JD (U) ‘s status as a senior partner with more MLA than BJP, had favored the former. Sources in the BJP, however, indicated that the terms might have to be modified, given the higher BJP numbers. They said the party could seek more positions for itself.
The two sides have yet to discuss the details of the new regime. But there was no clarity on other issues crucial to such a sharing of power, details such as the distribution of crucial portfolios and who gets the Spokesperson job.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, MP Sushil Modi, though emphatic in his reiteration that Nitish continues as CM, limited himself to saying that the new government can take office after Diwali.
BJP Chairman JP Nadda discussed the Bihar results with Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Interior Minister Amit Shah, and Roads Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday night. No details were available.
Sources said the sharing of power was not discussed with Nitish when Sushil Modi, Secretary General Bhupendra Yadav and State Health Minister Mangal Pandey visited the CM just after the results were announced on Tuesday.
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