Patna: Ahead of the highly anticipated floor test for the newly formed NDA government in Bihar, opposition legislators from the 'Mahagathbandhan' have begun congregating at Rashtriya Janata Party (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav's residence in Patna. Sources indicate that lawmakers from the RJD and the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation have assembled at the former Deputy Chief Minister's residence. Notably, following the meeting, legislators were reportedly barred from leaving, with their support staff seen bringing essential items like clothes and blankets.

Speaking to reporters post-meeting at Tejashwi Yadav's residence, RJD MP Manoj Jha stated that 'Mahagathbandhan' legislators have resolved to remain united for the next 48 hours and are enjoying their time together. When questioned about the activities inside Tejashwi's house, Jha quipped, "They are playing antakshari (singing songs) inside." In response to these developments, the Janata Dal United (JDU) alleged that MLAs were being detained within Tejashwi's residence, implying that the 'Mahagathbandhan' is apprehensive and has conceded defeat prior to the floor test. Bihar BJP leader Kuntal Krishna sarcastically remarked that Tejashwi Yadav had allegedly abducted his own MLAs.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commenced a two-day program for its legislators in Bodh Gaya, beginning on Saturday. Party sources clarified that the training program had been pre-planned and was unrelated to the imminent floor test. In contrast, the Congress dispatched its legislators to Hyderabad, while the Janata Dal United (JDU) hosted a lunch for its lawmakers at Minister Shrawan Kumar's residence. Notably, some MLAs, including Bima Bharti, Sudarshan, Shalini Mishra, Dilip Rai, and Dr. Sanjeev, were absent.

A whip has been issued by the JD(U) to ensure the presence of all party MLAs in the Assembly on Monday, when the newly formed NDA government will seek a vote of confidence. JD(U) chief whip Shravan Kumar warned that those defying the whip "will lose their membership," though he maintained that it was a "routine exercise conducted before every assembly session."

In a dramatic turn of events, Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister for a record ninth time on January 28, forsaking the 'Mahagathbandhan' and forming a new government with the BJP in Bihar, which he had parted ways with less than 18 months ago.

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