Bihar Floor Test Looms: Nitish Kumar’s Political Survival Hangs in the Balance

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The political landscape in Bihar is set for a seismic shift as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faces a crucial floor test on Monday, February 12, to prove his majority in the state assembly. Kumar’s recent defection from the mahagathbandhan, comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, to join the NDA alliance has thrown the state into a political whirlwind.

In anticipation of the high-stakes floor test, political maneuvering is in full swing. The Congress, one of the key constituents of the mahagathbandhan, has reportedly hidden its MLAs in Hyderabad, while RJD legislators have taken refuge at former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav’s residence since Saturday night. On the other hand, the BJP has shifted its MLAs to the Maha Bodhi resort in Bodh Gaya, a move purportedly for “training” purposes, according to the party.

The arithmetic of the assembly presents a challenging equation for both alliances. With a total strength of 243 seats, the majority mark stands at 122. The NDA claims a comfortable majority with 128 seats, comprising the BJP (78 seats), JD(U) (45 seats), Hindustani Awam Morcha (4 seats), and one Independent MLA. Conversely, the Opposition mahagathbandhan holds 114 seats, led by the RJD (79 seats), followed by the Congress (19 seats), CPI(ML) (12 seats), CPI(M) (2 seats), and CPI (2 seats).

As the political drama unfolds, JD(U) and HAM have issued whips to ensure the presence of their respective MLAs during the floor test, signaling a unified front in support of the Nitish Kumar government. However, speculation looms over potential last-minute strategies by the RJD to sway the balance of power.

Despite assurances of confidence from the NDA camp, tensions are palpable as the state braces for a showdown in the assembly. The recent campings of opposition MLAs at Tejashwi Yadav’s residence have drawn criticism from the BJP, characterizing it as a lack of faith in their leadership.

In the midst of the political turmoil, Bihar Assembly Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary has refused to resign, pledging to conduct proceedings in accordance with established rules. The session is slated to commence with a joint address by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, followed by discussions on a no-confidence notice against the Speaker, culminating in the pivotal trust vote sought by the Nitish government.

As Bihar awaits the outcome of this critical juncture in its political trajectory, all eyes remain fixed on the assembly floor, where the fate of the state’s leadership will be decided.

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