Bihar is all set to witness a major cabinet expansion on May 7, with the ruling coalition allocating ministerial berths among its allies. According to sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to get 12 berths, the Janata Dal (United) 11, and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) 2. The expansion will take place at Raj Bhavan in Patna, where the new ministers will be sworn in.
Allocation of Berths
The distribution of cabinet positions has been a subject of intense negotiations among the coalition partners. The BJP, which is the largest party in the alliance, will secure the highest number of berths. The JDU, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, will get 11 berths, while the LJP, led by Chirag Paswan, will get 2 berths. This allocation reflects the strength of each party in the state assembly.
Swearing-in Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 7 at 11 AM at Raj Bhavan. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will administer the oath of office to the new ministers. The ceremony will be attended by top leaders of the coalition, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and other senior functionaries.
Portfolio Distribution
The portfolio distribution among the new ministers is yet to be finalized. However, sources indicate that key departments such as Home, Finance, and Health are likely to be retained by the JDU, while the BJP may get portfolios like Education, Energy, and Rural Development. The LJP is expected to get minor portfolios such as Fisheries or Minorities Welfare.
Political Significance
The cabinet expansion comes at a crucial time for the ruling coalition, which is aiming to strengthen its governance ahead of the next state elections. The expansion is also seen as an effort to accommodate various caste and regional groups within the government. The inclusion of LJP is particularly significant as it brings in representation from the Dalit community.
Reactions from Opposition
The opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, have criticized the expansion, calling it a mere exercise in power-sharing. They have alleged that the coalition is ignoring pressing issues like unemployment and inflation. However, the ruling parties have dismissed these allegations, stating that the expansion will help in better governance.
As the date approaches, all eyes are on the final list of ministers and their portfolios. The expansion is expected to bring fresh faces into the cabinet, including some young leaders. The coalition hopes that this will boost its image and help in delivering on its promises to the people of Bihar.
