The cabinet expansion in Bihar is scheduled for today at 3:30 PM. Sources reveal the BJP has forwarded a list of legislators set to take the ministerial oath to the Bihar unit. The party strategizes to move forward with collective agreement before the parliamentary elections.
According to sources, the BJP wishes to avoid any discord ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. CM Nitish Kumar too aims for a cabinet expansion before the elections. The JD(U)'s list is reported to be ready. Those expected to take the oath have been asked to stay in Patna.
The Governor's Visit to Gaya
Indeed, Bihar's Governor Rajendra Arlekar is on tour in Gaya today. He will return to Patna by afternoon. Prior to that, Nitish has also called for a cabinet meeting today. It is speculated this could be the last cabinet meeting before the Lok Sabha elections.
Nitish Becomes CM for the Ninth Time
It's noteworthy that about a month and a half ago, Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar's Chief Minister for the ninth time—a record in itself. Nitish Kumar has remarkably managed to maintain his position, irrespective of alliance shifts, election outcomes, or seat counts.
Alliance with RJD Broken
On January 28, 2024, Nitish severed the alliance with RJD and Congress to form a new government with BJP. He had taken oath that very day. BJP's state president Samrat Choudhary and former opposition leader Vijay Sinha were appointed as Deputy CMs. This was followed by the oath-taking ceremony of eight cabinet ministers, after which cabinet expansion was anticipated.
Potential for 27 More Ministers
Presently, Nitish's cabinet includes a total of nine ministers. BJP's quota brought in Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha as Deputy CMs. With the capability for a total of 36 ministers in the Bihar cabinet, there's the potential for 27 more ministerial positions.
