Nitish 10.0: Cabinet Revealed As ‘Sushashan Babu’ Begins His Historic Tenth Innings

Bihar: Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Bihar’s Chief Minister for a record tenth time after the NDA’s strong performance in the state assembly elections. The ceremony took place at Gandhi Maidan in Patna where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior NDA leaders were present. The event signalled clear central support for Nitish Kumar’s leadership as he begins his new innings. His party JD(U) received 85 seats while BJP emerged slightly stronger with 89 seats, ensuring a power balance.

Smaller allies including LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM-S and RLM also joined the cabinet structure. This oath-taking has been termed as the beginning of "Sushashan Babu’s" next governance phase.

Why Is BJP Seen As Dominant In Cabinet?

Under the new cabinet structure, BJP is expected to receive 15 ministerial berths including the post of Assembly Speaker, likely going to senior leader Prem Kumar. JD(U) is set to get 13 positions including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Sources suggest BJP may even cross 15 seats to reward loyal party workers. Junior allies like LJP (Ram Vilas) led by Chirag Paswan could secure two to three positions. HAM-S and RLM may get one berth each. BJP’s influence appears stronger due to more seats and central leadership presence during the oath ceremony. Old BJP leaders like Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha are expected to hold key roles.

Which Ministers Took Oath First?

Soon after Nitish took oath, BJP leaders Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were sworn in as cabinet ministers. They were followed by JD(U)’s Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Kumar Yadav. Mangal Pandey and Nitin Nabin from BJP also took charge, showing the priority given to experienced faces. Other names sworn in include Ashok Choudhary, Leshi Singh and Madan Sahni from JD(U). From BJP, Ramkripal Yadav and Dilip Kumar Jaiswal are also part of the cabinet. Santosh Kumar Suman from HAM-S and Sunil Kumar from BJP were included too.

Will There Be Any New Faces?

Sources indicated that five to six new ministers may join from BJP and JD(U) to bring fresh energy into the government. The idea is to balance experience with new leadership. Leaders like Umesh Singh Kushwaha, who recently won from Mahnar, are likely to be inducted. BJP wants to promote hardworking members who contributed during elections. However, most existing ministers from JD(U) are expected to continue to ensure policy consistency. This mix of old and new leadership is seen as a strategic move.

What Role Will Smaller Allies Play?

LJP (Ram Vilas) may receive two to three cabinet berths, increasing Chirag Paswan’s influence in policy decisions. HAM-S led by Jitan Ram Manjhi is likely to get one position. RLM, headed by Upendra Kushwaha, may also have one seat in the cabinet. Though their numbers are limited, their support helped NDA secure 202 seats in the 243-member Assembly. Their inclusion is more symbolic but politically necessary. This coalition approach aims to avoid internal conflict within NDA.

What Signals Did Modi’s Presence Give?

Prime Minister Modi attending the oath-taking ceremony was seen as a sign of approval for Nitish Kumar’s leadership model. It also indicated that central leadership will stay closely involved in Bihar’s governance approach. BJP’s show of strength reflects its expanding grassroots network in the state. This partnership between JD(U) and BJP appears stronger than past alliances. Analysts say it shows a long-term strategy for stability in Bihar.

What Lies Ahead For This NDA Government?

With a clear majority and strategic cabinet sharing, the NDA government is expected to focus on governance stability and development projects. Nitish Kumar has projected this term as a continuation of "Sushashan" or good governance. BJP is expected to push for stronger law and order and infrastructure expansion. Opposition parties are preparing strong rebuttals but lack numbers in the Assembly. For now, the new government looks politically secure.