In November 2020, Nitish Kumar expressed his unhappiness with BJP’s choice of Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi as the two deputy CMs in the NDA coalition. This decision seemed to disregard Nitish’s preference for Sushil Modi, who had served as his deputy in the past. Now, with the appointment of Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha as deputy CMs, BJP is asserting itself and not being awed by sensitivities. Choudhary and Sinha, known for their aggression towards Nitish, have consistently challenged and riled the CM. While BJP has accepted Nitish as CM once again, the assertiveness suggests a departure from the previous coalitions with JD(U). The choice for the speaker’s position and the allocation of departments will further indicate whether this assertiveness extends to securing more advantages for the saffron party. BJP’s decision to ignore Nitish’s comfort and opt for figures like Nandkishore Yadav and the appointment of Choudhary, an upper caste Bhumihar, as speaker in 2020 signals a disregard for Nitish’s preferences. Choudhary’s appointment is part of BJP’s plan to expand support among the Kushwahas, thereby weakening Nitish’s Kurmi-Koeri coalition. Overall, BJP’s moves signify a shift in power dynamics within the NDA coalition and may have significant implications for the future of the alliance.