Bihar Cabinet Grows with Seven BJP Ministers Sworn In
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Synopsis
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expanded his cabinet by inducting seven BJP ministers. This strategic move aims to represent various community interests ahead of the upcoming elections. The new ministers bring diverse backgrounds and experience, enhancing the cabinet's strength and representation.
Key Takeaways
- Bihar cabinet expanded with seven BJP ministers.
- Governor administered oaths in Raj Bhavan.
- Ministers represent various communities.
- Expansion increases cabinet strength to 37.
- BJP's share in the cabinet has risen significantly.
Patna, Feb 26 (NationPress) Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday broadened his cabinet by bringing in seven BJP ministers.
The newly appointed ministers took their oath of office and secrecy from Governor Arif Mohammad Khan during a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan. The event was attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Assembly Speaker Nand Kishor Yadav.
The BJP representatives include Sanjay Saraogi, a five-term MLA from Darbhanga, who is a notable figure in the Marwari community. Remarkably, he took his oath in Maithili.
Sunil Kumar, who represents Bihar Sharif, is a five-time elected official. He is part of the Koeri caste and was previously affiliated with the JD-U before switching to the BJP in 2015.
Jibesh Kumar Mishra serves as the MLA from Jale and belongs to the Bhumihar community. He has past ministerial experience and also took his oath in Maithili.
Raju Kumar Singh represents Sahebganj in Muzaffarpur and hails from the Rajput caste. He was formerly with the Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) before joining the BJP.
Motilal Prasad is the MLA from Riga in Sitamarhi and is associated with the Vaishya community.
Krishna Kumar Mantu, representing Amnour in the Saran district, is from the Kurmi caste and recently gained attention for organizing a major ‘Kurmi Chetna Rally’ in Patna.
Vijay Kumar Mandal, who represents the Sikti assembly constituency in Araria district, belongs to the Kewat community, classified under the extremely backward classes.
Following the inclusion of these BJP leaders, the party has made efforts to represent various segments of society. It has focused on the Lav-Kush demographic (Kurmu-Koiri (Kushwaha), upper caste Bhumihar and Rajput, as well as the Vaishya community with Sanjay Saraogi and Motilal Prasad, as well as EBC Vijay Kumar Mandal.
Prior to this cabinet expansion, state BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal resigned from his ministerial position in accordance with the party's principle of one man, one post.
With this enlargement, the total number of ministers in the Nitish Kumar council has increased to 37, with the BJP's representation growing from 16 to 22. The JD-U retains 13 ministers, including the Chief Minister, while one minister is from the Hindustani Awam Morcha and another is an independent.
On Tuesday, BJP President J.P. Nadda and state in-charge Vinod Tawde visited Patna to convene a meeting with the core committee of the state unit to strategize the party's future direction.
Assembly elections in Bihar are expected to occur toward the end of 2025.
