First BJP-led Bihar government faces trust vote today; Samrat Chaudhary seeks majority

The first BJP-led government in Bihar, headed by Samrat Chaudhary, faces a floor test today just 10 days after taking office, following Nitish Kumar's exit.

In Short

• BJP-led government under Samrat Chaudhary faces floor test in Bihar Assembly on Friday.
• NDA holds strong majority with 201 of 243 MLAs; opposition has 35 MLAs.
• Cabinet expansion likely between May 4-10 with BJP and JD(U) getting major shares.

The recently sworn-in BJP-led government under Samrat Chaudhary will face a floor test in the Bihar Assembly on Friday, seeking to prove its majority just 10 days after taking office as the state’s first BJP-led government.

According to the legislative schedule, the motion of confidence will be tabled by the Chief Minister, stating that the House reposes its trust in the present Council of Ministers. All constituents of the ruling NDA have issued a whip to their MLAs, directing them to remain present and vote in favour of the government.

The floor test will also mark Chaudhary’s first address in the Assembly as Chief Minister. He is expected to be countered by Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, setting the stage for a politically charged exchange.

The NDA enjoys a commanding position in the 243-member Assembly with 201 MLAs. Its strength comprises the BJP (88), JD(U) (85), LJP (Ram Vilas) (19), HAM (5), and RLM (4). In contrast, the opposition Grand Alliance has 35 MLAs: RJD (25), Congress (6), CPI(ML) (2), CPI(M) (1), and IIP (1).

The broader political arithmetic also includes five MLAs from Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM and one from the BSP, who remain outside the principal alliance blocs. Additionally, signs of internal strain have emerged within the opposition, with three Congress MLAs rebelling during the recent Rajya Sabha elections.

With a clear numerical advantage, the government is widely expected to sail through the trust vote. Senior leaders in the ruling alliance have expressed confidence that the numbers are firmly in their favour.

The BJP-led government was formed earlier this month following the resignation of JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, who stepped down after being elected to the Rajya Sabha. The new arrangement marks the first time a BJP leader has assumed the Chief Minister’s post in Bihar. In the new cabinet, JD(U) leaders Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav have been inducted as Deputy Chief Ministers.

Ahead of the floor test, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the government enjoys the backing of Nitish Kumar and would follow his governance model. He expressed confidence that the coalition’s “brute majority” would ensure a comfortable victory in the trust vote.

Meanwhile, discussions about a cabinet expansion have gathered pace, with sources indicating it could take place between May 4 and 10. Of the 36 ministerial positions, the BJP and JD(U) are likely to get 16 berths each. The LJP (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, is expected to secure two positions, while HAM, headed by Jitan Ram Manjhi, and RLM, led by Upendra Kushwaha, may get one berth each.

The BJP-led coalition in Bihar currently comprises the JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLM, forming a five-party alliance that secured over 200 seats in the Assembly, giving it a strong mandate.

Meanwhile, political developments within the JD(U) have also drawn attention. Nishant, associated with the party, has opted not to assume any immediate responsibility in the government. Party sources describe the decision as personal, with Nishant choosing instead to prepare before taking on a formal role.

As part of this plan, he is set to embark on a statewide tour beginning May 3, travelling as an ordinary party worker rather than a senior leader. The outreach aims to build direct engagement with grassroots workers and assess the party’s organisational strength at the panchayat, block, and district levels. The tour is expected to last three to four months.

There is also speculation that Nishant may be nominated to the Legislative Council in June. A decision on whether he will take up a formal role in the government or the party organisation is likely to follow. Senior JD(U) leaders have described him as a key figure for the party’s future.

- Ends