Bihar’s cabinet is set for expansion on May 7th, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled at Raj Bhavan. This expansion involves both new inductions and reshuffling of portfolios within the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are confirmed to attend the event, signaling the national importance placed on this development and the BJP’s commitment to the Bihar coalition. This is particularly noteworthy given the recent political realignment in the state following Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA.
The expansion is expected to accommodate representatives from all three coalition partners: Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP], and Hindustan Awam Morcha [HAM]. Sources indicate that HAM, led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, will likely receive representation with at least one ministerial berth.
The BJP is expected to gain a significant share of portfolios in the reshuffle, reflecting its increased influence within the new government. State BJP chief Samrat Choudhary confirmed that the party will be adequately represented, and discussions regarding portfolio allocation are ongoing.
Currently, the Bihar cabinet can accommodate up to 36 ministers, but it has remained incomplete since the formation of the NDA government in late January. The expansion aims to fill these vacant positions and provide a more comprehensive representation of the coalition’s constituents.
The event is being viewed as a demonstration of the NDA’s strength and unity in Bihar, especially ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The presence of Modi and Shah is intended to boost the morale of party workers and project a cohesive image to the electorate. The final list of ministers and their assigned portfolios will be announced shortly before the swearing-in ceremony. The expansion is also seen as a strategic move to address caste equations and regional balance within the government.
