Nitish Kumar on Friday took oath as Bihar’s chief minister along with 28 ministers – including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad’s two sons – Tejaswi and Tej Pratap. The oath was administered by Governor of Bihar Ram Nath Kovind.
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Unprecedented security cover has been put in place in Bihar capital for the swearing-in ceremony of Nitish Kumar, who will head the first JD-U-RJD-Congress coalition to rule Bihar.
DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin, who was deputed by party leader M Karunanidhi to represent the DMK at the event, felt that the political climate in Bihar augured well for the country and a mega alliance would herald a change in national politics.
Veteran RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui got the finance portfolio.
Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda is also likely to attend the oath-taking, besides former Jharkhand chief ministers Babulal Marandi and Hemant Soren as well as INLD leader Abhay Chautala.
Besides Nitish Kumar, 12 legislators each of the RJD and JD-U and four from the Congress were sworn in.
“Only Chief Minister designate Nitish Kumar, his new cabinet colleagues and VVIPs would be accommodated on the main dais”.
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Kumar has retained home, general administration and information and public relations. Even critics of Nitish’s grudgingly admire his many traits that enabled him to make up with his friend-turned-foe-turned-ally Lalu Prasad and deliver a huge blow to PM Narendra Modi. The deputy CM has been allotted road and building construction, while Tej Pratap got Health. Sources said Rahul is keen that the Bihar Congress utilize the opportunity of winning 27 seats in the state to expand itself, and not rest with getting mere ministerial berths. Awadhesh Kumar Singh (Animal Husbandry), Abdul Zaleel Mastan (Excise), and Madan Mohan Jha (Land Reform) were also included in the new Cabinet. He also said that participation in the government was not his priority, the Congress’ main focus should be on how to rebuild the party in Bihar. “I wish the new government led by Nitish babu, Laluji and rising star Rahul Gandhi great success”, he added.
