In the bustling city of Patna, the possibility of Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expanding his Cabinet looms large, as per insider information. This matter underwent thorough discussion during a session presided over by the CM himself, with his two Deputies, Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, in attendance.
Kumar, having assumed the role of Bihar CM for the ninth occasion subsequent to his departure from the Mahagathbandhan coalition on January 28, solemnized the allocation of portfolios by February 3. Currently, the cabinet comprises nine ministers alongside Kumar. This assembly consists of three representatives from the BJP, four from JD(U), one from Hindustani Awam Morcha, and one independent candidate.
Considering the capacity of the Bihar assembly, which permits 35 ministers, there exists the potential for an additional 26 ministerial appointments. Sources hint at the retention of some ministerial positions for future considerations.
Presently, Kumar shoulders responsibilities across various domains including home affairs, cabinet oversight, electoral matters, vigilance, among others. His deputy and state BJP chief, Samrat Choudhary, oversees the realms of finance, healthcare, taxation, fisheries, legal affairs, urban development, and housing. Meanwhile, Vijay Kumar Singh, the other deputy CM, is entrusted with agriculture, infrastructure development, mining and geological affairs, sugar cultivation, cultural affairs, youth engagement, public health engineering, and minor water management.
Insider speculation suggests that the expanded cabinet may feature a blend of familiar faces and newcomers. Notably, Maheshwar Hazari, who tendered his resignation from the post of Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, is anticipated to secure a ministerial berth. In addition to Kumar, the JD(U) faction is represented by Bijendra Yadav, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, and Shravan Kumar. Prospective ministerial aspirants from JD(U) include Madan Sahni, Lacey Singh, and Jama Khan.
Conversely, Mangal Pandey of the BJP is positioned to join the cabinet, having recently ascended to membership in the Legislative Council. Another potential candidate for ministerial elevation is Nitin Naveen. The BJP may introduce several new faces this time around. Beyond the duo of Deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, the BJP’s lone ministerial incumbent is Prem Kumar.
It is widely conjectured that BJP and JDU will navigate regional, caste, and social dynamics through the impending cabinet expansion, strategically aligning themselves ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.