Cabinet formation not going to be a cakewalk for Nitish Kumar

After the big victory of the Janata alliance in the state election, all eyes are now on the government's formation.

And, political analysts say it will not be an easy task for Nitish Kumar, incumbent chief minister and Janata Dal leader.

"My priorities have not changed," said Kumar at a packed press conference here on Sunday evening, "Our top priority was, is and will be development with justice. We will continue to work towards inclusive growth and implement our seven-point common programme (with his poll allies) in a time-bound manner. Those are my promises and will be implemented." (A BATTLE IN PHASES)

He ducked questions on government formation and who will get a place in his next ministry. "This cannot be discussed in a press conference. We have ample time in our hands. We will first hold a meeting of our new legislative party, then decide on the date of swearing-in ceremony with our allies and then this matter will be discussed," said the victorious leader, on a question on whether ally Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad's sons would be made ministers.

Party sources say the government might be sworn in after Diwali. "We have proposed November 14 but are yet to discuss it within our party and with our allies," said a JD leader.

On who'll be inducted, most seniors are tight-lipped. "This is not something to be discussed openly. Nitishji and Laluji will sit and decide," said an outgoing minister.

If the grapevine is to be believed, the Congress party might get the Assembly Speaker's position and three or four Cabinet seats. The RJD and JD are expected to equally divide the rest; RJD might also get a Deputy CM. Finance, road construction, irrigation and agriculture are rumoured to be asked for by the RJD. The JD might keep education, rural development, rural works and home.