In the city of Patna, the moment of reckoning has arrived for the governance orchestrated by Nitish Kumar within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. The initiation of the budget session unfolds with the customary address by the Governor to the members of the bicameral legislature. Subsequently, the assembly delves into the no-confidence motion against Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary, culminating in the litmus test of a trust vote.

The NDA, comprising JD(U), BJP, the Hindustani Awam Morcha led by former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, and an Independent representative, wields a consolidated strength of 128 MLAs in the 243-strong assembly – a margin of six beyond the majority threshold.

The ‘Mahagathbandhan,’ encompassing RJD, Congress, CPI(ML), CPI, and CPI(M), asserts a collective strength of 114 MLAs, falling short by eight to secure a majority. However, it contends that while all its legislators remain resolute, discontent brews among several in the NDA fold due to the abrupt shifts in strategy by JD(U) and BJP, potentially leading to a turnaround against the fledgling government.

In a display of unwavering unity, despite the sudden forfeiture of power, numerous legislators affiliated with the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ have taken residence at the abode of the coalition’s leader, Tejashwi Yadav. Yadav, who relinquished the deputy CM’s post following Kumar’s abrupt divergence, becomes a focal point in this political landscape.