Bihar: Nitish Kumar-led NDA govt to face trust vote in state assembly tomorrow

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will seek a trust vote in state assembly tomorrow. Political activities in the state capital have been intensified ahead of the floor test. Several meetings of MLAs are being held by the high command of their respective political parties from ruling and opposition alliances.

As the rumours of defections are abuzz in the political corridors, all political parties are taking measures to keep their flock together. JD(U) President and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has convened a meeting of party MLAs. BJP and RJD are also holding closed door meetings of its MLAs. More from our correspondent:

“In Bihar political parties are not taking any chances for the floor test of the Nitish Kumar-led government as less than 24 hours are left for the political tug of war in the state assembly. BJP has shifted its MLAs to Bodhgaya and Congress legislators are staying in Hyderabad giving the message of solidarity.

They are expected to reach Patna this evening. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Left party MLAs are staying back in Patna since last evening at the residence of former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.

Former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi led Hindustani Awam Morcha which was giving mixed signals including showing displeasure over the allocation of portfolios in the state cabinet has issued a whip to all four MLAs to exercise their vote in favour of the NDA government. The JD(U) which has 45 members also issued a whip to ensure en bloc voting of MLAs in favour of the Nitish Kumar-led government. Dharmendra Kumar Rai, Akashvani News, Patna”.

In the 243 member Bihar Assembly, the NDA has support of 128 MLAs comprising BJP, JD(U), Hindustani Awam Morcha and one Independent. The Grand Alliance led by RJD -Congress has the support of 114 MLAs. The magic figure to prove the majority is 122 in the assembly.

Meanwhile, motion of treasury bench members will also be taken up to remove the incumbent Speaker and RJD member Awadh Bihari Choudhary on the first day. After the formation of the new government, a no confidence notice has been given by BJP-JD(U) MLAs against the incumbent Speaker.

At the onset of budget session Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will address the joint meeting of both the Houses in the Central Hall of the assembly. Tight security arrangements have been made in view of the budget session of the state legislature.