Despite concessions to ally Lalu, Nitish remains in charge of affairs | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Despite concessions to ally Lalu, Nitish remains in charge of affairs

Hindustan Times | By, Patna
Nov 23, 2015 03:56 PM IST

Contrary to the impression he conceded too much ground to the dictates of Lalu Prasad, chief minister Nitish Kumar has held his own in his cabinet formation.

Contrary to the impression he conceded too much ground to the dictates of Lalu Prasad, chief minister Nitish Kumar has held his own in his cabinet formation.

Nitish Kumar signing the register after taking oath as chief minister of Bihar at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Friday.(PTI Photo)
Nitish Kumar signing the register after taking oath as chief minister of Bihar at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Friday.(PTI Photo)

A quick reading of the manner in which ministerial berths and departments were shared among Grand Alliance (GA) constituents — the RJD, JD(U) and Congress, confirms Nitish has made significant concessions to ‘elder brother’ Lalu. Yet, there are indicators emerging from the list of ministers sworn in with him to show the fifth-time CM has stamped his authority to remain in charge of his new government.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Sample this: The CM has retained six departments, including general administration, home and information and public relations, which gives him direct control over transfers and postings, police and publicity of his government. In addition, he has vigilance through which he can crack down on corruption, cabinet secretariat and election.

Nitish has also retained departments that are critical to the roll out of the Rs 2.70 lakh crore Vision Document for his new government, which he had released as a counter to PM Rs 1.25 lakh crore package.

Similarly, electricity, to which Nitish’s vision document commits Rs 55,600 crore, has gone to JD(U)’s Bijendra Prasad Yadav.

Even the public health engineering department, which will execute the vision document agenda of spending Rs 47,700 crore, has been given to Krishnandan Prasad Verma of the JD(U). Nitish has also kept commercial taxes, social welfare rural development, SC-ST welfare, panchayati raj and industries with himself.

With these departments he can give a further leg up to his vote-winning welfare programmes.

On the flip side are his concessions to Lalu — like making his first time MLA son Tejashwi Yadav deputy CM and spreading out six departments between him and his brother Tej Pratap.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Rai Atul Krishna has been writing, editing and anchoring news reports and features for Hindustan Times on a wide variety of subjects for the past 30 years. He has also mentored many of his colleagues during this period.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On