Nitish to return as CM for 4th term; may take oath today

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday met Governor Phagu Chauhan, after being unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA and staked a claim for the formation of the new government in the state.

Kumar said that the swearing-in will take place on Monday evening and parried questions about details like whether BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi would be returning as his deputy.

"The Governor was handed over the letter of support from all four constituents of the NDA. As per his direction, we shall be taking oath at the Raj Bhavan, tomorrow, around 4- 4.30 P.M", said Kumar, who is on course to become the longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar.

"After the swearing-in, we will convene the meeting of the cabinet where a decision on convening the Assembly session will be taken", said Kumar but evaded queries as to whether the BJP, which has won more seats than the Chief Ministers JD(U), has sought a greater representation in the cabinet.

Asked about Sushil Kumar Modi, known to be close to Kumar, he quipped "all things will be settled".

Speculations have been rife that Modi may be replaced, and these intensified after the senior BJP leader did not accompany Kumar to the Raj Bhavan but went to the State Guest House along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who has flown down as an observer of the BJP. Shortly after Kumars return from the Raj Bhavan, Singh and Modi met the Governor, fuelling further speculations about future of the latter in the state's politics.

Meanwhile, BJP sources have indicated that the party may propose two deputy chief ministers in the state. The fourth term Katihar MLA Tarkishore Prasad was on Sunday named as the BJP legislature party leader, indicating he could be deputy chief minister. Bettiah MLA Renu Devi has been made party's deputy legislature party leader and she could be another deputy CM from the saffron party in the NDA ministry.