Patna: As the NDA prepares to form the new government in Bihar, its constituent parties have begun drawing up their respective ministerial lists — and indications suggest that the next cabinet may look strikingly similar to the last.
According to early discussions within the alliance, several senior figures from the Janata Dal (United) are expected to retain their positions. Vijay Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Shravan Kumar, Ashok Choudhary, Leshi Singh, Madan Sahni, Jayant Raj and Sunil Kumar — all members of the outgoing Nitish Kumar cabinet — are understood to be in line for reappointment. Manjeet Singh and Ramsevak Singh are also being considered.
Speculation persists that if Sunil Kumar is dropped, either Santosh Nirala or Shyam Rajak could be brought in as replacements, though party insiders say space for new entrants remains limited.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, the NDA’s largest partner, is also expected to field a slate of familiar names. Deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha and Hari Sahni, along with senior ministers Nitin Nabin and Mangal Pandey, are seen as likely continuations.
However, uncertainty surrounds Vijay Sinha’s exact role. While he is tipped to return as deputy chief minister, some within the party suggest he may instead be appointed Speaker of the Assembly. Among potential new faces, Ramkripal Yadav and Digha MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia are reportedly under consideration.
In the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Raju Tiwari and Sanjay Paswan are believed to be strong contenders for cabinet berths. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by Upendra Kushwaha, is expected to secure one seat, with his wife, Snehlata Kushwaha, likely to be nominated.
The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, appears set to maintain the status quo. His son, Santosh Suman, is widely expected to retain his ministerial role, with no changes anticipated in the party’s allocation.
