Bihar Cabinet Expansion: Nitish Kumar stays CM, THESE key MLAs sworn in as ministers

The expansion of Nitish Kumar's cabinet in Bihar signifies a calculated move aimed at strengthening the NDA's position ahead of the elections.

Edited By: Mayank Kasyap

Last Updated : 15 March 2024, 07:09 PM IST

ANI (File)

New Delhi: In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Nitish Kumar's cabinet in Bihar is witnessing a significant expansion. Several MLAs from the Janata Dal-United (JDU) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are taking the oath as ministers during a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. The cabinet reshuffle is not only a political maneuver but also a careful consideration of caste equations within the state.

Inclusion of diverse representation

The NDA government, under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, is bolstering its cabinet with the induction of nine JDU MLAs and twelve BJP MLAs. This expansion reflects a concerted effort to ensure diverse representation, with attention given to caste dynamics. The newly expanded cabinet comprises representatives from various communities, including six upper caste members, six Dalits (SC), four Extremely Backward Classes (OBC), four Backward Classes (BC), and one Muslim.

Notable appointments

Renu Devi (Nonia): Renu Devi, hailing from the Extremely Backward Class, assumes a prominent position as she takes the oath. A stalwart of the BJP, she previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister in the coalition government and held ministerial portfolios in the state. With a political career spanning four terms as an MLA from the Bettiah constituency, she commands significant influence within the party.
Mangal Pandey: Mangal Pandey emerges as a formidable figure representing the upper caste community within the BJP. With three terms as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Pandey has established himself as a seasoned politician. Notably, he served as the Health Minister in the Bihar Government and held pivotal roles within the BJP, including state president and election in-charge for various regions. Pandey's leadership acumen and strategic prowess make him a vital asset for the party in Bihar.

BJP MLAs sworn in as ministers

The new cabinet of Nitish Kumar's government will see the induction of 12 MLAs from the BJP quota. Among them are prominent figures such as Mangal Pandey, Aruna Devi, Neeraj Bablu, Nitish Mishra, Nitin Naveen, Janak Ram, Kedar Gupta, Dilip Jaiswal, Krishnanandan Paswan, Santosh Singh, Surendra Mehta, and Hari Sahni. These ministers bring a diverse range of experiences and expertise to the cabinet, reflecting the party's commitment to effective governance.

JDU MLAs sworn in as ministers

Additionally, 9 MLAs from the JDU quota are set to assume ministerial roles in Nitish Kumar's new cabinet. Notable names include Ashok Chaudhary, Leshi Singh, Madan Sahni, Sheela Mandal, Jama Khan, Maheshwar Hazari, Ratnesh Sada, Sunil Kumar, and Jayant Raj. These ministers bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to their respective portfolios, contributing to the state's progress and development.

Chief Minister's calls

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has personally reached out to several MLAs, including Ashok Chaudhary, Madan Sahni, Dilip Jaiswal, Leshi Singh, Sheela Mandal, and Ratnesh Sada, signaling the imminent expansion of his cabinet. The inclusion of these seasoned leaders underscores the government's commitment to inclusive governance and representation.

The expansion of Nitish Kumar's cabinet in Bihar signifies a calculated move aimed at strengthening the NDA's position ahead of the elections. By incorporating diverse representation and leveraging the political capital of seasoned leaders like Renu Devi and Mangal Pandey, the government seeks to consolidate its support base and navigate the intricate landscape of Bihar politics.

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Bihar Cabinet Expansion: Nitish Kumar stays CM, THESE key MLAs sworn in as ministers