Union minister and LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan met Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday. The meeting came as NDA partners began internal talks on forming the next government after their massive election win. Photos from their discussion at the CM’s residence also marked Nitish Kumar’s first public appearance since Friday’s verdict.
बिहार विधानसभा चुनाव परिणाम के पश्चात आज बिहार के माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री नीतीश कुमार जी से मुलाकात कर उन्हें NDA के प्रचंड बहुमत की हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं दी।@NitishKumar pic.twitter.com/EuHJFQNHXm
— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) November 15, 2025
Chirag Paswan said his party was ready to take a direct role in the new administration. He explained, “We are looking forward to joining the government. Earlier, we used to say that we supported the government but were not part of it, as we had no representation in the state legislature.”
His party performed strongly, winning 19 out of the 28 seats it contested.
Tone Changes After Strong Mandate
Before the elections, Paswan had sharply criticised the government. He said earlier that Bihar faced a “deteriorating law and order situation.”
However, on Saturday, he shifted tone and dismissed claims of tension with Kumar. He said the opposition had created a “false narrative” about his relationship with the chief minister.
He also backed Nitish Kumar to stay in the top post and refused to say whether his party wanted the deputy CM’s position. He added that NDA allies would take that decision together.
Paswan said, “It is for the legislators to decide who should be the next CM or the deputy CM. I personally feel that Nitish Kumar should continue to head the government.”
Two Deputy CMs Earlier, But Future Structure Unclear
The last Bihar government had two deputy chief ministers — Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha of the BJP. Both won their seats comfortably. However, NDA leaders have not confirmed whether they will keep the same structure.
NDA Sweeps Bihar
The NDA registered a commanding victory on Friday. Together, the alliance won 202 out of Bihar’s 243 assembly seats.
The BJP led with 89 seats, and the JD(U) followed with 85.
Later in the evening, JD(U) leaders Rajiv Ranjan ‘Lalan’ Singh and Sanjay Jha met Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Earlier, Singh made it clear that Nitish Kumar would remain the chief minister.
“There is no vacancy for the chief ministerial post. The people of Bihar have given an overwhelming mandate for development under Nitish Kumar’s leadership,” he said. He added that Bihar’s development pace would continue under the same leadership.
Kumar’s Comeback Despite Earlier Concerns
Many believed the 2025 election would be difficult for Nitish Kumar. He narrowly survived the previous election when the RJD performed strongly. Public frustration over unemployment was high, and there were questions about his health.
Even then, Kumar ran a quiet campaign. The JD(U) still delivered its best result since 2010 and helped the NDA secure the highest vote share ever recorded by a Bihar alliance.
Next Steps in Government Formation
The current assembly ends on November 22. The new 18th assembly must be formed on or before that date. As the first step, Nitish Kumar is likely to meet Governor Arif Mohammad Khan soon. He will submit his resignation and discuss the swearing-in schedule for the next government.
NDA leaders said the formation process will speed up after all winning MLAs return to Patna.
BJP and Allies Begin Internal Planning
On Saturday, the BJP held a meeting of its senior state leaders in Patna. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal said, “Our central leadership will soon finalise all decisions regarding government formation. Everything will be decided within the next two days.”
The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) also shared its expectations. Party leader Santosh Suman said the next cabinet should reflect both experience and youth. He added, “It should be a blend of people with capability, a strong work culture, and education.”