Bihar : The wait for cabinet expansion in Bihar is expected to end soon, with strong indications that it may take place any time after May 4. April 15 marked the swearing-in of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav from the JDU quota. Since then, all key departments have been handled by these three leaders.
Now, discussions around cabinet expansion have intensified, and sources suggest that May 6 or May 8 could be the most likely dates for the reshuffle.
36-Minister Cap, NDA Formula Ready
Bihar has a provision for a maximum of 36 ministers, including the Chief Minister. According to sources, the NDA alliance has already agreed on a distribution formula among its five constituent parties.
Both BJP and JDU are expected to have equal representation in the cabinet. BJP, including the Chief Minister, is likely to get 16 ministerial positions, while JDU, including the two Deputy CMs, will also hold 16 posts.
This effectively means 15 new faces from BJP and 14 from JDU could be inducted into the cabinet.
Allies to Get Limited but Key Representation
Following the earlier arrangement, Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is expected to secure two ministerial berths. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha may get one seat, and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha is also likely to receive one position.
Probable Names from JDU
Several experienced leaders from JDU are being considered for ministerial roles. Apart from the two Deputy Chief Ministers, names doing the rounds include Shravan Kumar, Leshi Singh, Ashok Choudhary, Jama Khan, Sheila Mandal, Sunil Kumar, Madan Sahni, Ratnesh Sada, Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha, and Jayant Raj. Most of them have previously served as ministers.
There is also speculation that some younger faces, possibly linked to Nishant Kumar’s circle, may be included. Chetan Anand is among the names being discussed as a potential new entrant.
Other Likely Faces
From the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, Deepak Prakash is expected to return as a minister. Chirag Paswan may once again nominate Sanjay Paswan and Sanjay Singh from his party. Meanwhile, Santosh Suman’s name is almost certain from Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM.
Final Call Soon
While no official announcement has been made yet, the groundwork appears complete. With political equations settled, Bihar is now likely to see a full-fledged cabinet in place within the first week of May.