In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expanded his cabinet on February 26, 2025, by inducting seven new ministers, all from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This expansion is seen as a strategic move to consolidate the NDA government’s position in Bihar while balancing caste and regional equations.
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The new ministers, who were sworn in at the Raj Bhavan in Patna, were administered the oath of office by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. The event was attended by key political leaders, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with other senior leaders of the BJP and JD(U).
With this latest expansion, the Bihar cabinet now comprises 36 ministers, the maximum permissible limit for a state with a 243-member legislative assembly. The BJP, which now has 21 ministers, has surpassed JD(U), which has 13 ministers, including the Chief Minister. Additionally, one minister each from the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and an Independent MLA complete the cabinet lineup.
This expansion highlights the evolving power dynamics between JD(U) and BJP, with the latter cementing its dominance in the coalition government.
Details of the Cabinet Expansion
Key Highlights of the Expansion
- Seven new ministers inducted, all from the BJP.
- Oath-taking ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Patna.
- Governor Arif Mohammad Khan administered the oath.
- BJP now holds 21 ministerial positions, surpassing JD(U).
- Caste and regional considerations played a crucial role in the selection.
The newly inducted ministers represent a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces, carefully chosen to balance caste equations and strengthen BJP’s regional presence in Bihar.
Profiles of the Newly Inducted Ministers
The seven newly appointed ministers represent different communities, ensuring caste diversity and regional representation across the state.
1. Sanjay Saraogi (Darbhanga Town – Vaishya Community)
A five-time MLA from Darbhanga Town, Sanjay Saraogi is a well-known leader from the Vaishya community. His appointment is seen as BJP’s attempt to consolidate its trader vote bank in Bihar.
2. Jibesh Kumar Mishra (Jale – Bhumihar Community)
A seasoned politician and former Minister of Labour Resources, Jibesh Kumar Mishra is a Bhumihar leader with significant influence in North Bihar. His return to the cabinet strengthens BJP’s Upper Caste voter base.
3. Dr. Sunil Kumar (Bihar Sharif – Kushwaha Community)
Representing Bihar Sharif, Dr. Sunil Kumar has been a political heavyweight. His inclusion is seen as an attempt to woo the Kushwaha community, a crucial vote bank in Bihar politics.
4. Raju Kumar Singh (Sahebganj – Rajput Community)
Formerly elected on a Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) ticket, Raju Kumar Singh joined the BJP in 2022. His induction is a move to secure Rajput votes in the state.
5. Krishna Kumar Mantu (Amnour – Kurmi Community)
A known face in the Kurmi community, Mantu organized the Kurmi Chetna Rally, solidifying support for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. His appointment strengthens JD(U)-BJP ties.
6. Moti Lal Prasad (Riga – Vaishya Community)
A senior leader from Sitamarhi, Moti Lal Prasad brings the Vaishya community into BJP’s fold, ensuring their support in upcoming elections.
7. Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikti – Kewat Community)
From Araria district, Vijay Kumar Mandal represents the Kewat community, securing BJP’s reach in extremely backward classes (EBCs).
Political Implications of the Cabinet Expansion
The timing and composition of this expansion carry significant political implications:
1. Strengthening BJP’s Control in Bihar Government
- With 21 ministers, the BJP now holds more cabinet berths than JD(U).
- This signals BJP’s growing influence in the Bihar NDA government.
2. Caste Balancing Ahead of Assembly Elections
- Upper castes (Bhumihars, Rajputs, Vaishyas) and OBCs (Kurmis, Kushwahas) have been accommodated.
- Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) like Kewats have also found representation.
- This move aims to ensure a broad-based electoral appeal for BJP.
3. Preparation for the Upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections
- With elections scheduled later this year, this expansion strengthens NDA’s position.
- BJP aims to consolidate its caste-wise vote bank and counter opposition challenges.
Reactions from Political Circles
The cabinet expansion has triggered strong political reactions from both allies and opponents.
BJP’s Response
Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal welcomed the move, stating:
“The new ministers have vast experience, and their induction will strengthen the state government and help deliver better governance.”
Opposition Criticism
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders slammed the expansion, with spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav remarking:
“Nitish Kumar has put his signature on his political death warrant. This is the last nail in the coffin of his political career.”
Congress’s Take
Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh commented:
“BJP gets nervous every time Nitish Kumar makes a political move. The alliance is on shaky ground.”
Moving Forward
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet expansion ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 is a strategic move aimed at strengthening NDA’s hold in the state. With seven new BJP ministers, the ruling alliance has balanced caste equations, reinforced regional representation, and positioned itself for electoral success.However, with opposition parties raising concerns, the political landscape in Bihar remains highly dynamic. The success of this expansion will be tested in the upcoming elections, where the NDA’s performance will determine whether this move was a political masterstroke or a miscalculation.
By – Nikita
