FIRST BJP GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE OATH ON APRIL 15

FIRST BJP GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE OATH ON APRIL 15

14-APRIL-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------"Bihar mein bahar hai, Nitish Kumar hai" (Bihar is in full bloom; Nitish Kumar is at the helm)—this slogan resonated throughout Bihar's political landscape for years. Now, while the "bloom" in Bihar is set to continue, the reins of power—previously held by Nitish Kumar—will pass into the hands of the BJP.

According to sources, Nitish Kumar will preside over the final cabinet meeting of his current tenure on Tuesday, April 14.

Immediately following the cabinet meeting, he will proceed to Lok Bhawan to tender his resignation to the Governor. With this act, the process of forming a new government will officially commence.

Inside sources reveal that a consensus has already been reached in Delhi regarding the BJP's choice for Chief Minister: Samrat Choudhary.

However, formal approval from all BJP legislators during their upcoming meeting remains pending.

The BJP's greatest challenge will be to secure unanimous agreement among all constituent parties of the alliance regarding the choice of the Chief Ministerial face.

Apart from the BJP, the NDA alliance in Bihar comprises the JD(U), LJP, HAM, and Upendra Kushwaha's party.

Given this composition, forging a consensus among five distinct parties and electing a leader for the NDA legislative group will be no easy task.

The BJP has appointed Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer to oversee this entire process.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar has once again begun vacating his official residence at 1 Aney Marg. His belongings are currently being shifted to 7 Circular Road. The implication is clear: Nitish Kumar's new abode will now be on Circular Road. This bungalow is situated right next door to Rabri Devi's residence.

Reports also suggest that various government departments and officials have been instructed to commence preparations for the oath-taking ceremony. As this marks the first time a BJP-led government is being formed in Bihar, the party intends to transform the event into a historic occasion. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Patna's historic Gandhi Maidan. Preparations for the event will be undertaken on a war footing.

Plans are underway to mobilize over 25,000 women—including 'Jeevika Didis' and 'ASHA Didis' associated with Anganwadi centers—to attend the event. The Transport Department has also received preliminary verbal instructions to initiate preparations at its level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Chief Ministers of several other states are expected to be present at the swearing-in ceremony.