New Delhi: A broad consensus has been reached regarding the formation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s new cabinet in Bihar, ahead of the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for November 20. According to sources, top leaders from Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) have held detailed discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda in Delhi to finalise the distribution of portfolios and alliance representation.
Possibility of a Woman Deputy Chief Minister
Sources have indicated that the alliance is seriously considering appointing a woman as the Deputy Chief Minister — a move that could send a strong political message ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Cabinet to Represent Entire NDA Alliance
The new cabinet will not be dominated by a single party, sources stressed. Instead, it will reflect a balanced representation of all NDA partners, including the parties of Chirag Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha, both of whom are expected to secure ministerial positions. Two new faces are also likely to be inducted.
In the previous government, caste representation included 11 upper castes, 10 OBCs, seven EBCs, five Dalits, two Mahadalits, and one Muslim minister.
Caste Math to Shape Cabinet Formation
This time, the NDA’s MLA strength includes:
- 15 Yadav MLAs
- 23 Kurmis
- 19 Kushwahas
- 23 Vaishyas
- 31 Rajputs
- 15 Bhumihars
- 15 Brahmins
- 2 Kayasthas
- 10 EBCs
- 34 Scheduled Castes
- 1 Tribal MLA
- 1 Muslim MLA
Sources confirmed that the cabinet structure will be crafted around these numbers to maintain social and regional balance.
Speaker and Deputy CMs Likely Based on Caste Balance
The BJP, being the largest party in the alliance, is expected to elect the Speaker and appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers. If the Speaker post goes to an upper caste leader, at least one Deputy Chief Minister may come from OBC/EBC or Dalit backgrounds, and vice versa.
36-Minister Limit, Some Seats to Remain Vacant
Bihar can have a maximum of 36 ministers including the Chief Minister, though some positions may be intentionally left vacant. In the outgoing government, the BJP had 21 ministers, JDU had 13 (including the CM), HAM had one, and one was Independent.
This time, Chirag Paswan’s party may secure two berths, with Raju Tiwari being considered for one. Upendra Kushwaha’s party may get one, with his wife Snehlata Kushwaha among the frontrunners.
Regional Representation to Reflect Election Performance
Regions where the NDA performed strongly — such as Shahabad, Magadh, Mithila, and Saran — will receive proportionate representation. Several ministers from the previous cabinet may be reappointed.
Likely BJP names include:
Nitin Naveen, Sanjay Sarawagi, Jibesh Mishra, Nitish Mishra, Dr. Sunil Kumar, and Vijay Kumar Mandal.
Former Union Minister Ramkripal Yadav, who won this election, may also join the cabinet.
Probable JDU names include:
Shravan Kumar, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Ashok Chaudhary, and Bijendra Prasad Yadav.
Randhir Singh, son of former MP Prabhunath Singh, is also being considered.
BJP Calls It a “Festival of Development”
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, BJP leader Nitin Nabin said:
“All preparations have been made for the oath ceremony. This is the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar’s development.”
He added that the event will be grand, with Chief Ministers from several states, the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and key Union Ministers expected to attend.
“Bihar will celebrate this like a festival,” he said.