Power Play Unfolds in Bihar Cabinet Distribution: Nitish Retains Control Despite BJP Presence

Patna: Six days after the inception of Bihar’s new government, the allocation of departments has stirred discussions, shedding light on the power dynamics between Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite initial speculation that BJP might dominate, Nitish strategically secured key departments for himself, maintaining his authority in the government.

Except for three departments—Animal and Fisheries, Backward and Extremely Backward, and Disaster Management—allocated separately to BJP, the distribution closely mirrors that of the 2020 NDA government. The budget analysis reveals that BJP’s 23 departments hold a budget of Rs 69,432 crore, while JD (U)’s 19 departments command a budget of Rs 1,17,529 crore. HAM (S), with one department, has a budget of Rs 1805 crore.

Contrary to expectations that Nitish might play a subordinate role, the departmental distribution indicates his continued leadership. Despite BJP’s numerical advantage, Nitish has retained crucial portfolios, except Health, signaling his prominence in the government. BJP has been assigned Health and Panchayati Raj, while JD (U) retains departments with the highest budgets, including Education, Home, Energy, Rural Works, and Rural Development.

Comparing this to the Grand Alliance government (JD (U), RJD, Congress), where RJD controlled major financial departments, the current scenario underscores Nitish’s stronghold. He has preserved his influence over law and administration, holding the Finance Department for the BJP for the 14th time in 19 years.

Analysts suggest that BJP’s central leadership appears to have given Nitish a free hand, indicating a collaborative, rather than dominant, alliance. However, tensions might escalate post-Lok Sabha elections if seat distribution becomes a point of contention, with Nitish likely to maintain a strong position.