The Samrat Choudhary-led Bihar government expanded its state cabinet to 32 ministers during a ceremony held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna [1, 2].

This expansion follows the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) victory in the state assembly elections. The move is intended to ensure a diverse representation of communities within the new administration [1].

Among those inducted is Nishant Kumar, the son of Nitish Kumar [1]. The cabinet includes 15 ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 13 from the Janata Dal (United) [2].

Other party representations include two ministers from the Lok Janshakta Party (LJP) [2]. Additionally, the government inducted one minister each from the Manjhi and Kushwaha parties [2].

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the swearing-in ceremony [2]. He was joined by senior leadership, including Amit Shah and Nitin Nirav [2].

The event took place in the open grounds of Gandhi Maidan, marking a significant consolidation of power for the NDA coalition in the state [2]. The inclusion of various regional partners reflects the coalition's strategy to maintain a broad political base across Bihar's diverse social landscape [1].

“The Samrat Choudhary-led Bihar government expanded its state cabinet to 32 ministers”

The composition of the expanded cabinet signals a strategic balancing act between the BJP and JD(U), the two dominant forces in the NDA. By incorporating smaller parties like the LJP, Manjhi, and Kushwaha, the Choudhary government is attempting to solidify its legitimacy through a broad-based coalition that mirrors the state's complex caste and community demographics.