Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expands cabinet, includes 7 BJP MLAs in new induction

Nitish Kumar Expands Bihar Cabinet, Inducts 7 BJP MLAs in Major Reshuffle

In a strategic political move ahead of the 2024 general elections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday expanded his state cabinet, administering oath to 31 new ministers at Raj Bhavan. The reshuffle, keenly watched across political circles, saw seven BJP legislators being inducted despite the party now being in opposition to Kumar's ruling Mahagathbandhan alliance.  

The ceremony, presided over by Governor Phagu Chauhan, marked a careful balancing act by the veteran leader as he incorporated representatives from all alliance partners. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Kumar's principal ally, secured the maximum berths with 11 new ministers, while the Congress got two positions. The inclusion of BJP faces, including prominent leaders like Nitin Nabin and Samrat Choudhary, has raised eyebrows given the current political equations in the state.  

Political observers view this expansion as Kumar's attempt to maintain stability in his delicate coalition government while keeping channels open with the BJP, which remains the single largest party in the Bihar assembly. The move comes nearly a year after Kumar's dramatic exit from the NDA fold and subsequent alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD.  

"This cabinet expansion reflects the complex realities of Bihar politics," said Patna University political science professor Dr. Sanjay Kumar. "By accommodating BJP legislators while strengthening RJD's presence, Nitish Kumar is trying to create a safety net for his government while preparing for the upcoming electoral battle."  

The reshuffle has drawn mixed reactions across party lines. While BJP leaders have welcomed their inclusion, some JD(U) workers have privately expressed concerns about sharing power with their former allies. RJD supporters, on the other hand, see the large number of their ministers as validation of their growing influence in the government.  

Opposition leaders have been quick to criticize the move, with former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi calling it "a cabinet of compromise rather than competence." The BJP leader questioned whether such an arrangement would allow for effective governance in the state.  

With the expansion complete, attention now shifts to the allocation of portfolios, which is expected to be announced in the coming days. The distribution of key ministries will be crucial in determining the actual balance of power within the coalition government.  

As Bihar enters a crucial election year, this cabinet reshuffle underscores Nitish Kumar's continuing political maneuvering skills, even as it raises questions about the long-term stability of the current political alignment in the state.