Nitish Kumar-led new govt all set to face floor test on Feb 12

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is all set to face the floor test in the state assembly on February 12 to prove that his government has the majority.

The recently-formed state government is being led by Kumar's Janata Dal (United), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (HAMS). These parties, along with the lone independent, together have 128 MLAs. For a majority, an alliance needs 122 MLAs.

While the new government is expected to sail through without any hiccups, three JDU MLAs were found absent during a meeting called on February 11. JD(U), however, downplayed their absence.

“We are assured of proving our majority. Two-three MLAs did not come but they had informed the party. All of them would be here by morning. Our (NDA) strength is 128 and we will prove it,” Chowdhary told media persons.

“We will get the majority with ease. There is no need to worry,” the CM told the meeting, as quoted by Chowdhary. The meeting lasted for more than 90 minutes.

Giving details of the Monday proceedings, Chowdhary said that after the governor’s address, the first proposal would be brought for the removal of the speaker.

“As per the rules, the Speaker would ask as to how many legislators do support the proposal to remove the Speaker. As per legislative rules, if 38 or more MLAs support the proposal, it gets accepted, and then in this scenario, it is expected that the speaker vacates his chair till the proposal is defeated. The deputy speaker takes over the chair and takes up the proposal to remove the Speaker. Then the trust vote will be taken up,” he said.

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