Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary took oath on Wednesday along with a two-member council of ministers, making it one of the smallest cabinets in the state’s recent history. Alongside him, Janata Dal (United) leaders Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.
This is the first time since 2022 that Bihar has seen such a limited cabinet at the time of government formation. According to sources, the cabinet expansion is likely after May 5, following which additional ministers will be inducted and portfolios redistributed.
For now, Chief Minister Choudhary has retained 29 departments, including key portfolios such as Home, General Administration, Health, Finance-related coordination, Urban Development, Agriculture, and Road Construction. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary has been allocated 10 departments, while Bijendra Prasad Yadav has been given charge of eight.
Delay in Cabinet Expansion
The unusually small size of the cabinet has raised questions about delays in ministerial appointments. Sources indicate that the BJP has not yet finalised its list of ministers, leading to a hold-up in the expansion process.
One of the primary reasons cited is the party’s attempt to balance internal dynamics while accommodating new faces. The leadership is reportedly considering inducting fresh candidates, but a final decision is still pending. Chief Minister Choudhary is also believed to have submitted his preferred list to the party high command, which is yet to be approved.
Top Leadership Busy with Bengal Elections
Another key factor behind the delay is the ongoing assembly elections in West Bengal. Senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and party president Nitin Nabin, are actively involved in the campaign.
Polling in West Bengal is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4. Party sources suggest that the Bihar cabinet expansion will take place only after the election results are declared.
Vijay Sinha Factor
Internal deliberations are also underway regarding the role of senior BJP leader Vijay Sinha. A former Deputy Chief Minister in the previous government, Sinha’s position in the new setup remains unclear.
With Samrat Choudhary elevated to the Chief Minister post and the Deputy Chief Minister positions going to the JD(U), the BJP is exploring options to accommodate Sinha. Discussions are reportedly ongoing on whether he will be included in the cabinet or assigned an alternative responsibility. His adjustment is said to be one of the key reasons for the delay in finalising the BJP’s ministerial list.
Allies Await Induction
The delay has also impacted NDA allies. Sources indicate that the JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) had prepared their lists of probable ministers, but the oath-taking was deferred as the BJP wanted a joint swearing-in for all allies.
Several leaders from these parties were reportedly expecting to be inducted and had made preparations, but are now in a wait-and-watch mode.
BJP Retains Key Portfolios
The distribution of departments indicates a strong hold of the BJP in the new government. The Chief Minister has retained most of the high-profile ministries, including Home, Urban Development, Health, Agriculture, Industry, and Information Technology.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary has been assigned portfolios such as Water Resources, Education, Parliamentary Affairs, Rural Development, and Transport. Bijendra Prasad Yadav has been given departments including Energy, Finance, Commercial Taxes, Social Welfare, and Food and Consumer Protection.
Despite the JD(U) being a key ally, it has not been allocated the Home Ministry. Political observers note that the BJP has maintained control over crucial departments even after taking the Chief Minister post.
Signs of Discontent in JD(U)
Sources within the JD(U) indicate a sense of unease among party leaders. The delay in ministerial appointments, coupled with limited allocation of key portfolios, has led to internal dissatisfaction.
Leaders who were part of the previous Nitish Kumar-led cabinet are hopeful of being re-inducted once the expansion takes place. As per sources, the JD(U) is expected to get around 15 मंत्री positions in the full-strength cabinet.
Second Smallest Cabinet in Bihar
This is the second instance in Bihar when a minimal cabinet has been sworn in. In August 2022, when Nitish Kumar formed the government after changing alliances, only he and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav took oath initially. The cabinet was expanded six days later with the induction of 31 ministers.
With the expansion now expected in early May, all eyes are on how the BJP-led government balances internal equations, accommodates allies, and finalises its full cabinet.
