Patna: The Bihar government is set for a major cabinet expansion on Thursday, with around 31 legislators expected to take oath as ministers in Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s NDA-led government. The expansion has drawn significant political attention as Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) patriarch Nitish Kumar, is likely to make his ministerial debut.
Sources, as cited in an India Today report, said calls have already gone out to leaders who are expected to be inducted into the cabinet. Both the BJP and JDU have reportedly finalised their quota of ministers on Wednesday night. Meetings regarding the same were held in Patna, which were attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior alliance leaders.
According to reports, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to secure the largest share in the cabinet with 15 ministerial berths, while Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) is likely to get 13 positions. Allies including Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) are also expected to receive representation in the expanded ministry.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place in Patna amid heightened security arrangements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend the event, underlining the political significance of the cabinet reshuffle ahead of upcoming electoral battles in the state.
The cabinet expansion comes weeks after Nitish Kumar moved to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for Samrat Choudhary to take over as Bihar Chief Minister. The NDA government in Bihar currently comprises BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM and RLM.
Nishant Kumar’s possible induction marks a significant shift in Bihar politics, considering Nitish Kumar had long maintained an anti-dynasty politics stance. Nishant, who entered active politics only recently by joining JD(U), has quickly emerged as a key face within the party.
Who may be inducted from BJP?
The BJP leadership has decided to accommodate two Brahmin faces in the cabinet — Nitish Mishra and Mithilesh Tiwari, the India Today reported citing sources. It further claims senior leader Mangal Pandey is unlikely to be inducted into the new cabinet. Deepak Prakash, son of Upendra Kushwaha, is likely to be inducted from the RLM quota.
