Nitish Cabinet Expansion Likely Next Month, Nine New Ministers Set To Join Government

Bihar: The NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is preparing for a cabinet expansion next month. As per the current structure, the Bihar cabinet can have a maximum of 36 ministers including the CM. At present, nine seats are vacant, out of which six belong to JDU and three to BJP. According to agreement between alliance partners, BJP can have 17 ministers, JDU 15 including the CM, while LJP (Paswan) gets two, and HAM and RLP one each. Based on this formula, nine new faces may be added soon. Discussions have already begun within JDU and BJP to finalise names for the expansion.

Which MLAs May Get Priority?

Sources suggest JDU plans to give importance to legislators from Kushwaha and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) communities. This move aims to strengthen social and caste equations ahead of future elections. Currently, senior JDU ministers are holding additional departments, increasing workload. Bijendra Prasad Yadav handles five departments, Vijay Chaudhary is responsible for four, while Shravan Kumar and Sunil Kumar manage two each. BJP ministers like Vijay Kumar Singh, Mangal Pandey, Nitin Navin and Arun Shankar Prasad are also handling multiple ministries. Once new ministers join, redistribution of departments is expected to take place.

Why Is Expansion Considered Essential?

Political experts believe the expansion is important to ease administrative pressure and manage public expectations. The government wants to maintain internal stability within NDA and avoid dissatisfaction among MLAs. There is also an effort to include representatives from more regions to build wider support. Many pending issues related to development, law and order, and farmers’ welfare need focused attention. New ministers are likely to be assigned responsibilities according to performance and regional importance. The decision may also impact upcoming political strategies leading to 2025 assembly elections.

Is There Any Fear Of Defection?

Rumours had recently surfaced that JDU may induct MLAs from other parties and offer them ministerial positions. However, JDU leaders have firmly denied such speculation. They have clarified that there is no move to break any other party. The leadership believes the current NDA strength is adequate to run the government smoothly. With no immediate threat to numbers, cabinet expansion will be restricted to alliance members only. Party insiders argue that speculation was politically motivated and not based on reality.

What About BJP’s Role In Expansion?

The BJP is expected to fill three ministerial posts under the agreed formula. The party may choose leaders from regions where it seeks to strengthen influence. Sources say discussions are ongoing at state and central levels. Like JDU, BJP may also consider balancing caste and regional representation. Party leadership wants to ensure inclusion of experienced leaders who can support governance and election preparedness. Final approval may come from national leadership before cabinet expansion date is announced.

How Does This Affect Rajya Sabha Numbers?

The next Rajya Sabha election is due in around six months. As per current MLAs count, NDA is likely to win all five seats from Bihar. This strong position means JDU does not need external support. Therefore, the cabinet expansion is being seen as an internal power balancing exercise rather than coalition building. Party leaders are confident that NDA unity will remain intact. Stability in numbers has given the government freedom to expand without political pressure.

When Will Announcement Be Made?

According to sources, the decision on cabinet expansion may be finalised soon. New ministers could take oath by January. Preparations are underway to select names based on performance, loyalty and social representation. Though CM Nitish Kumar has not made any public announcement, internal talks are progressing. The cabinet reshuffle is seen as an important step to strengthen administrative efficiency. Political circles believe it will also help the NDA sharpen its approach for future elections and improve outreach among key voter groups.