Lobbying within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has picked up pace over the post of Speaker in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, as alliance leaders prepare for a special session expected to take place soon. With portfolio allocations completed earlier this week, the focus inside political circles has now shifted to the crucial constitutional position.
According to sources familiar with the developments, BJP leader Prem Kumar, MLA from Gaya Town and one of the most experienced lawmakers in the state, is emerging as the strongest contender. He has won nine consecutive elections and has held several key posts in earlier governments, including serving as the Leader of Opposition between 2015 and 2017. Party insiders say his seniority and long legislative experience place him at the top of the race.
However, the JD(U) is not stepping back. The name of Damodar Rawat, the MLA from Jhajha, is being actively discussed inside Nitish Kumar’s camp. A section of JD(U) leaders argue that with BJP member Awadhesh Narain Singh already heading the Legislative Council, the Speaker’s position should return to their party to maintain balance within the ruling coalition.
A state Cabinet meeting scheduled for November 25 is expected to finalise the date of the special session. Once announced, the Governor will appoint a Protem Speaker who will administer the oath to all 243 newly elected MLAs. The election of the Speaker will take place immediately after the oath ceremony.
The buzz intensified after senior NDA leaders, including Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha, and BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha in Patna. Sources describe the atmosphere as “active negotiation mode,” with both sides attempting to avoid any public contest.
In the previous Assembly, BJP’s Nand Kishore Yadav held the Speaker’s position, while JD(U)’s Narendra Narayan Yadav served as Deputy Speaker. If the BJP secures the Speaker’s chair again, the Deputy Speaker’s post may go to JD(U), leaders familiar with the arrangement indicated.
Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister for the tenth time earlier this week, alongside 26 ministers — including 14 from the BJP and eight from the JD(U). With the government formation process in place, political attention now rests firmly on who will ultimately take the Speaker’s chair.