After Nitish Kumar's outburst, the Speaker of Bihar wins

Nitish Kumar has apparently had the last laugh after his errant speech in the assembly and allegations that the Speaker violated the constitution in relation to a run-in with some police officers four days ago.

Despite the dissatisfaction of BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha, Nitish Kumar gave his nod to the transfer of a state police officer from Lakhisarai.

Even some in Mr Kumar's party, the Janata Dal-United (JDU), have conceded privately that the BJP is in charge when it comes to the government, regardless of what the Chief Minister says publicly.

The BJP also said that the message was clear: if Nitish Kumar wants to retain the office of Chief Minister, he cannot undermine a constitutional position such as that of Speaker.

In spite of the fact that Friday was a holiday for Holi, Mr Singha's district assemblyman Ranjan Kumar had been ordered to report to Mr Kumar's office by the Home Minister, Nitish Kumar.

BJP-Kumar relationship soured after this episode, marking the latest in a string of breakdowns between the two parties. Kumar returned to power in Bihar in 2020, but with a much smaller share in the ruling coalition, having won far fewer seats than his ally.

Ultimately, Nitish Kumar agreed to a truce with Mr Sinha at the behest of senior ministers of both parties in which he was assured that the officers who had angered the Speaker would be relocated soon.