As Bihar prepares for the swearing-in of the new NDA government on November 20, negotiations between alliance partners have hit a snag. JD(U) appears unwilling to give up the influential Home Ministry, a key portfolio traditionally held by Nitish Kumar. Tussle Over Speaker’s Post Eases
Earlier, both JD(U) and BJP were reportedly interested in the Speaker’s post, which holds authority over the disqualification of legislators. However, sources said there is no major disagreement over the Speaker’s post at present.
Election Results Shape Cabinet Composition
Following the NDA’s landslide victory, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, while JD(U) won 85. Smaller allies, including Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV), HAM, and RLM, also performed well in the elections.
Top Leaders to Attend Swearing-In Ceremony
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in Patna on Wednesday evening to attend the ceremony. Other senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, and Dharmendra Pradhan, will also reach Patna.
Why the Home Ministry Matters ?
The Home Ministry is one of the most powerful portfolios in India and here are the powers of a Home Minister:
- Internal Security: Maintaining law and order and protecting against terrorist attacks.
- Border Management: Managing India’s land and coastal borders.
- Centre-State Relations: Overseeing state relations and implementing President’s Rule if needed.
- Disaster Management: Coordinating disaster relief efforts and supporting states.
- Administration: Managing Union Territories and Central Armed Police Forces.
- Intelligence: Working with intelligence agencies for national security.
Here Are The Departments That Report To Home Ministry
The Ministry of Home Affairs includes:
- Department of Internal Security: Law and order, police, and national integration.
- Department of States: Handles Centre-State relations, governor appointments, and formation of new states.
- Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs: Specific focus on these regions.
- Department of Border Management: Focuses on managing all of India’s borders.
Expected Cabinet Composition
JD(U) is likely to retain its current ministers, while BJP may introduce new faces. The new cabinet may include five to six new members from BJP and JD(U). LJP (RV) may get three berths, HAM-S and RLM one each. Sources say up to 16 ministers from BJP and 14 from JD(U), including Nitish Kumar, will take oath.
