In a significant political development, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expanded his cabinet on Saturday, with 32 ministers from the Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party taking oath. Among the new faces was Nishant Kumar, the son of the chief minister, who made his electoral debut in the recent assembly elections.
Cabinet Expansion Details
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Raj Bhavan in Patna, where Governor Phagu Chauhan administered the oath of office to the new ministers. The expansion comes after the recent assembly elections, which saw the NDA alliance, comprising JDU, BJP, and other partners, secure a comfortable majority.
The new cabinet includes 18 ministers from JDU and 14 from BJP. Several key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leaders retaining their previous positions. The expansion aims to ensure a balanced representation across regions and communities.
Nishant Kumar's Entry
Nishant Kumar, who contested and won from the Bihariganj constituency in the recent elections, was sworn in as a minister. His induction marks a significant moment in Bihar politics, as it is the first time that a sitting chief minister's son has been included in the cabinet. Political analysts see this as a strategic move by Nitish Kumar to groom his successor.
Nishant Kumar holds a degree in law and has been involved in social work in his constituency. He is expected to be given important responsibilities, possibly in education or rural development.
Reactions and Political Implications
The expansion has drawn mixed reactions from political circles. While NDA allies have welcomed the move, terming it inclusive and representative, opposition parties have criticized it as nepotism. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav said the cabinet expansion shows that the NDA is promoting dynasty politics.
However, JDU spokesperson said the induction of Nishant Kumar is based on merit and his work in the constituency. The BJP also supported the decision, stating that the chief minister has the right to choose his team.
The expanded cabinet is expected to focus on key governance issues, including infrastructure development, education, health, and employment generation. Bihar has been witnessing steady growth, and the government aims to accelerate development in the coming years.
List of New Ministers
Here is the list of 32 ministers who took oath:
- From JDU: 18 ministers including senior leaders like Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Shravan Kumar, and Ashok Choudhary.
- From BJP: 14 ministers including Prem Kumar, Neeraj Kumar Singh, and Mangal Pandey.
Notably, several women ministers have also been included, reflecting the government's commitment to women's empowerment.
The cabinet expansion is seen as a step towards strengthening the NDA alliance in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. With the new team, Nitish Kumar aims to deliver on his promises and maintain the coalition's stability.
