Nitish Kumar's Wish List: Cabinet Seats, Early Elections, And Funds On The Cards

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar aims to secure more ministerial positions, central funds, and early assembly polls for Bihar. The 12 JD(U) MPs are crucial for the BJP-led NDA at the Centre.

The BJP's lack of a majority means it needs allies like Kumar to form the next government. The NDA has surpassed the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha, though the BJP missed the halfway mark for the first time since 2014. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance won 233 seats.

Sources say Kumar wants four to five Cabinet berths. The JD(U) was promised three Cabinet spots and one minister of state (MOS) before the election results. "JD(U) is in a better bargaining position now. We are hoping for at least four Cabinet berths. One more MOS post could be asked for," said a JD(U) leader.

JD(U) Seeks Key Portfolios

The JD(U) is keen on portfolios like railways, rural development, and water resources to boost infrastructure projects for Bihar. "We want portfolios that give us leverage in accelerating development in the state," said the JD(U) leader.

Kumar favours early assembly polls to benefit from the favourable environment towards JD(U) and NDA, which won 30 of Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats. "The idea is to have early polls... maybe in six months... The BJP and its other allies have to agree. But we are going to strongly pitch for it," said a second JD(U) leader.

Central Funds and Special Status

Kumar aims to secure more central funds for the Bihar Laghu Udhyami Yojana, announced in February to provide ₹2 lakh assistance to 9.4 million poor families identified in the 2023 socio-economic survey. The state Cabinet approved ₹2.5 lakh crore for five years to fund the scheme.

The Cabinet also approved a proposal to request special status for Bihar from the Centre, which would enable the state to get more funds. JD(U) lawmaker Khalid Anwar said they aim to uplift the poor by providing financial help for employment and entrepreneurship.

JD(U) leader K.C. Tyagi stated the party has been demanding special status and has put forth the demand more strongly as JD(U) is now a key NDA ally at the Centre.