Bihar Cabinet Expansion: Political Activity Intensifies Ahead of Budget Session

Political activity in Bihar has intensified, with speculation that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government may expand its cabinet before the upcoming budget session of the legislature, scheduled to begin on February 28. Reports suggest that the cabinet expansion could take place before this session. According to sources, three leaders from the BJP and two from the JD(U) may be inducted into the cabinet. Discussions between BJP National President JP Nadda and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have reportedly led to an agreement on this matter.

As per media reports, a total of five new ministers may be included in Nitish Kumar’s cabinet. Instead of state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal, another face from the party could be given a ministerial position. Meanwhile, Bihar BJP in-charge Vinod Tawde is set to visit Delhi today. It is expected that the central leadership of the BJP will finalize the list of potential ministers based on recommendations from the state leadership. The cabinet expansion is likely to take place only after this approval.

Balancing Caste Equations Through Cabinet Expansion

The cabinet expansion is being planned with an eye on caste equations ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Efforts are being made to ensure representation for various social groups. According to sources, two ministers may be appointed from the upper castes, with one each from the Rajput and Bhumihar communities. Additionally, two leaders from the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) category may be included, with one minister likely from the Teli caste. A minister from the backward community is also expected to be inducted. If the BJP’s central leadership gives its approval, the cabinet expansion could take place by this evening or tomorrow (Thursday).

Nitish to Decide on JDU Quota Ministers in Cabinet Expansion

The final decision on who will be included in the cabinet from the JDU quota rests with Nitish Kumar. Currently, several BJP ministers hold multiple portfolios. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha is in charge of three departments, while ministers Mangal Pandey and Nitish Mishra each manage two departments. If the decision is made to assign only one department per minister, several portfolios will be reassigned from existing ministers.

A New Face May Replace Dilip

After being appointed as the state president, Dilip Jaiswal has made it clear that he will resign from the cabinet today. A new face is likely to replace him. According to sources, the Bihar BJP leadership has finalized a list of new candidates. Once the central leadership approves it, the list will be sent to Nitish Kumar to complete the cabinet expansion process. Sources indicate that at least three new faces from the BJP quota may be inducted into the cabinet, while two ministers may be selected from the JDU quota.

Currently, the Nitish government has 30 ministers, with six positions still vacant. As of now, the cabinet includes 15 ministers from the BJP, 13 from JDU, one from HAM, and one independent minister.