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The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government expanded its cabinet on Wednesday, appointing seven BJP MLAs as ministers in a strategic move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office to the new ministers at Raj Bhavan in Patna.
Who Are the New Ministers?
The seven BJP MLAs who took the oath include:
| Minister | Constituency | Community Representation |
|---|---|---|
| Sanjay Saraogi | Darbhanga | Vaishya |
| Sunil Singh | Bihar Sharif | Kushwaha |
| Jivesh Mishra | Jale | Bhumihar |
| Raju Singh | Sahebganj | Rajput |
| Motilal Prasad | Riga | Teli |
| Krishna Kumar Mantoo | Amnaur | Kurmi |
| Vijay Kumar Mandal | Sikti | Kewat |
Key Highlights of the New Ministers:
Sanjay Saraogi has been an MLA from Darbhanga since 2005.
Sunil Singh, a five-time MLA from Bihar Sharif, is a prominent Kushwaha leader.
Jivesh Mishra took the oath in Maithili dialect, emphasizing his Bhumihar influence.
Raju Singh, a four-time MLA from Sahebganj, represents Rajput voters.
Krishna Kumar Mantoo (Kurmi) and Vijay Kumar Mandal (Kewat) strengthen OBC and SC representation.
This caste-conscious selection signals BJP’s electoral strategy to balance regional and community representation.
Bihar Cabinet Composition & Remaining Vacancies
The Bihar cabinet is constitutionally allowed 36 ministers, but even after this expansion, it has 30 members, leaving six positions open for further adjustments.
Current Cabinet Composition:
BJP – 15 ministers (including the new additions)
JD(U) – 13 ministers
Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) – 1 minister
Independent – 1 minister
This expansion solidifies BJP’s hold in the NDA-led government, with key positions filled ahead of elections.
BJP’s ‘One Person, One Post’ Policy: Dilip Jaiswal Resigns
Ahead of the cabinet expansion, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal resigned as a minister, following the party’s ‘one person, one post’ policy.
Jaiswal’s Journey:
- Held the Revenue and Land Reform portfolio.
- Was inducted into the cabinet in January 2023 after BJP’s return to power.
- Became BJP’s Bihar unit chief in July 2023, replacing Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary.
His resignation makes room for fresh leadership in the BJP-led cabinet.
Why This Cabinet Expansion Matters?
Caste-Based Representation: The BJP has ensured balanced caste equations, crucial for securing voter trust in the upcoming elections.
Regional Balance: Ministers have been chosen from different parts of Bihar, ensuring statewide appeal.
Electoral Strategy: With assembly elections nearing, BJP aims to consolidate its influence within the NDA alliance.
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