Patna: The newly formed government in Bihar has announced an interim allocation of ministerial portfolios, with chief minister Samrat Choudhary retaining control of 29 departments, the largest share within the administration.
According to the official notification issued after the swearing-in ceremony, the remaining 18 departments have been divided between the two deputy chief ministers, Vijay Choudhary and Bijendra Yadav. Vijay Choudhary has been assigned 10 portfolios, while Bijendra Yadav will oversee eight.
The chief minister has kept several key departments under his direct charge, including home, general administration, health, urban development, agriculture and industries. He is also responsible for departments previously held by ministers from the BJP and its allies, as well as those yet to be assigned.
Government officials described the arrangement as temporary, noting that a full distribution of portfolios will take place following an anticipated expansion of the cabinet. Until then, administrative responsibilities will remain concentrated among the chief minister and his deputies.
The reshuffle follows the resignation of former chief minister Nitish Kumar, who stepped down on Tuesday. Shortly after, a meeting of the BJP legislative party elected Samrat Choudhary as its leader, paving the way for him to stake a claim to form the government.
On Wednesday, the new administration was sworn in at Lok Bhawan, where the governor administered the oath of office to the chief minister and his two deputies, formally marking the transition of power.
