Bihar Trust Vote | Nitish Kumar's positive body language sets tone as assembly proceedings begin

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (File photo)

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition government is facing a crucial test in the Bihar Assembly on February 12, where it must secure a majority to retain power. The process of garnering support from MLAs is underway, with Chief Minister Kumar himself arriving at the Assembly around 10:20 am to participate in the floor test. This test will determine the stability and continuity of the government in Bihar.

During this period, Kumar's body language appeared notably positive. As he arrived at the assembly, he exuded a sense of comfort and ease. A smile graced the CM's face, and he warmly greeted journalists by shaking hands twice. While some ministers and JD (U) MLAs accompanying him also displayed victory signs, Kumar opted for the more personal gesture of shaking hands with the journalists before proceeding into the assembly. The proceedings of the Bihar Assembly is on, marking a significant moment in the political landscape of the state.

Also Read | Nitish Kumar's political journey: From humble beginnings to key ministerial roles and 9th term as CM

Additionally, BJP MLAs, led by both Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha, made a striking entrance into the Assembly, chanting slogans of "Jai Shri Ram." Chaudhary , however, conveyed intentions to target former deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, stating that he would present a toy to him.

Notably, the Bihar Assembly comprises a total of 243 MLAs. To secure a majority in the House, the support of 122 MLAs is required. The NDA asserts to have the backing of 128 MLAs, which includes 78 from BJP, 45 from JD (U), 4 from Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) , and one independent MLA, Sumit Kumar Singh.

The absence of a few MLAs from the JD(U) legislative party meeting and BJP's workshop in Bodh Gaya has fuelled speculation for the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan', which alleges that the NDA may fall short of the required 122 votes to remove the Speaker.

However, the motion to remove Bihar Assembly Speaker and RJD leader Awadh Bihari Choudhary has been introduced and successfully passed in the state assembly. Consequently, the Speaker has been removed from his position.

Following the removal of Choudhary, Deputy Speaker Maheshwar Hazari from JD (U) is set to assume the position of the chair.

Also Read | Bihar Trust Vote: How numbers stack up as BJP-JD(U) combine readies for floor test today

Both JD (U) and BJP have refuted these concerns, asserting that all MLAs will be present in the House at the time of voting. Nevertheless, JD(U) accommodated many MLAs in a city hotel after the legislative party meeting, while BJP MLAs were asked to stay back at the house of Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha.

The 'Mahagathbandhan', with 114 MLAs, eight short of the majority mark, contends that while its legislators are united, discontent within the NDA may lead some MLAs to cross over.

In a display of unity, several 'Mahagathbandhan' legislators, including those from RJD, Congress, CPI(ML), CPI, and CPI(M), are staying at the house of Yadav, the coalition’s leader who lost the deputy CM’s post due to Kumar’s decision to part ways.

State BJP president Choudhary, also a deputy CM, has cautioned against any attempts at horse-trading, emphasising the NDA's commitment to integrity.

Kumar, now serving his record ninth term as chief minister, has closely monitored developments within JD(U), attending the legislative party meeting and a preparatory luncheon, indicating readiness for the crucial trust vote.