Patna: The newly expanded Bihar cabinet led by Samrat Choudhary reflects a broad caste-based political balancing exercise by the NDA alliance, with representation distributed across upper castes, extremely backward classes (EBCs), Dalits and other influential social groups.
Out of the 34 ministers in the new government, nine belong to upper-caste communities, while seven ministers have been appointed from the EBC category.
Representation Across Communities
Including the chief minister himself, three ministers in the cabinet belong to the Koiri-Kushwaha community. The others are Shri Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha and Deepak Prakash.
The Dhanuk community has received two ministerial berths through Damodar Raut and Sheela Mandal.
From the Yadav community, Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Ram Kripal Yadav have been inducted into the cabinet.
Bulo Mandal has been included as the representative from the Gangota community.
Among minority communities, only Jama Khan has been given a place in the ministry.
Dalit Representation
Seven ministers in the cabinet belong to Dalit communities.
These include Ashok Choudhary, Ratnesh Sada and Sunil Kumar from JD(U).
From BJP and allied parties, Lakhendra Raushan, Nand Kishore Ram, Sanjay Kumar and Santosh Suman have also secured ministerial positions.
The Mallah community has been represented through Madan Sahni and Rama Nishad.
Upper-Caste Leaders Prominent
Among upper-caste leaders, the Bhumihar community received significant representation through deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary along with Vijay Kumar Sinha and Kumar Shailendra.
From the Brahmin community, BJP leaders Nitish Mishra and Mithilesh Tiwari were inducted into the cabinet.
The Rajput community secured four ministerial berths through Leshi Singh, Sanjay Singh, Sanjay Singh Tiger and Shreyasi Singh.
Political observers noted that no minister from the Kayastha community has been included in the new cabinet.
Women Ministers In Cabinet
The cabinet includes four women ministers.
These are Leshi Singh and Sheela Kumari from JD(U), along with Rama Nishad and Shreyasi Singh from BJP.
Analysts said the cabinet composition reflects the NDA’s attempt to consolidate support among multiple caste groups and strengthen its social coalition ahead of future political contests in Bihar.
