The NDA in Bihar on Sunday unanimously elected Nitish Kumar as its leader in the state legislature, paving the way for his return as Chief Minister for the fourth consecutive term. According to sources in the ruling coalition, an announcement to the effect was made at 1, Anney Marg, the Chief Ministers official residence, by senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who had flown down for the occasion.
Nitish Kumar on Sunday also met Governor Phagu Chauhan, after being unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA, and staked claim for the formation of the new government in the state. Talking to reporters outside his residence upon returning from the Raj Bhavan, Kumar said the swearing-in will take place Monday evening and parried questions about details like whether BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi would be returning as his deputy.
"The Governor was handed over the letter of support from all four constituents of the NDA. As per his direction, we shall be taking oath at the Raj Bhavan, tomorrow, around 4- 4.30 pm", said Kumar, who is on course to become the longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar. "After the swearing-in, we will convene the meeting of the cabinet where a decision on convening the assembly session will be taken", said Kumar, but evaded queries as to whether the BJP, which has won more seats than the Chief Ministers JD(U), has sought a greater representation in the cabinet.
Asked about Sushil Kumar Modi, known to be close to Kumar, he quipped "all things will be settled." Speculations have been rife that Modi may be replaced and these intensified after the senior BJP leader did not accompany Kumar to the Raj Bhavan but went to the State Guest House along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who has flown down as an observer of the BJP.
Shortly after Kumar’s return from the Raj Bhavan, Singh and Modi met the Governor, fuelling further speculations about future of the latter in the state’s politics. Katihar MLA Tarkishore Prasad has been elected the party’s leader in the assembly, Rajnath Singh told reporters. Asked whether Sushil Modi will be the deputy chief minister again, Singh said, "it will be known in due course."