Bihar Cabinet Expansion: Political activities have intensified in Bihar as the state gears up for elections. The Nitish Kumar-led government is set to expand its cabinet today, with a focus on strengthening the NDA’s position ahead of the polls. This expansion is viewed as a strategic move by the NDA to consolidate its influence in Bihar, following its success in Delhi.

Sources indicate that seven new faces from the BJP quota are likely to be inducted into the Nitish Kumar cabinet. With the budget session commencing on February 28, this evening’s cabinet expansion holds significant importance. Notably, this expansion appears to be more of a BJP-driven initiative than a general cabinet reshuffle, as all seven new ministers are expected to be from the BJP. Additionally, the selection aims to address various caste equations, posing a challenge for Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi to counter.

Currently, the Bihar cabinet comprises 30 ministers, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers. The BJP has 16 ministers, two of whom are Deputy Chief Ministers, while the JDU has 13 ministers, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. One minister is from HAM (S), and there is one independent minister. Based on the strength of the assembly, the cabinet can have up to 36 ministers, leaving six positions vacant. Furthermore, Bihar BJP Chief Dilip Jaiswal is expected to resign, creating an additional vacancy, which brings the total number of available positions to seven.

Which Caste, Which Face?

Now, let’s take a look at who might be included in the Bihar cabinet. According to sources, seven new faces will be inducted into the Bihar cabinet today. With this, all ministerial positions in Bihar will be filled.

Who Are These New Faces and Their Castes?

1. Krishna Kumar Mantu Patel – Kurmi


2. Jivesh Mishra – Bhumihar


3. Sanjay Saraogi – Vaishya


4. Motilal Prasad – Teli


5. Raju Singh – Rajput


6. Vijay Kumar Mandal – Kewat


7. Sunil Kumar – Kushwaha



Population Percentage of Different Castes in Bihar:

Kushwaha community – 4.27%

Kurmi community – 2.87%

Teli community – 2.81%

Bhumihar community – 2.8%

Rajput community – 3.45%

Mallah (Kewat) community – 2.60%


BJP’s Strategic Move

With this cabinet expansion, the BJP has played a smart game, attempting to consolidate support from various castes ahead of the elections. The party aims to make inroads into the voter base traditionally associated with Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav. It’s not just the MY (Muslim-Yadav) equation that supports the RJD; Rajputs and other OBC castes have also been loyal voters of Lalu Yadav for a long time. The BJP’s move is an effort to break into these voter bases.

Increased Tension for Tejashwi and Lalu Yadav

For years, the BJP has been perceived as a party favoring upper castes in Bihar. However, this cabinet expansion is another step in changing that perception. Through this reshuffle, the BJP wants to send a clear message that it treats all communities equally and provides fair opportunities. This move, just before the elections, considers caste dynamics and could pose a significant challenge for Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Yadav.