Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's proclivity for shifting loyalties is a running political joke in the state. But for his allies, it's a constant, unsettling possibility - one that could shun them abruptly to the opposition benches without notice.

Fortunately for BJP, the results of the Bihar election has left the party on a firm footing which will insulate it from the JD(U)'s chief capricious nature and ensure its continuity in the government even if Nitish jumps ship again.

BJP has won a solid 89 seats in the 243-member assembly, its second best performance after 2010. The JD(U) came a close second with 85 seats.

However, the Mahagathbandhan’s disastrous performance means its parties cannot cobble together a majority even if the JD(U) were to join them.

The opposition alliance mana

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