from-oath-taking-to-agenda-setting-inside-bihar-s-cabinet-expansion-drama

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expanded his Cabinet, bringing in nine Ministers from his party JD(U) and 12 from the ruling ally BJP. This move, coming 46 days after the formation of the new NDA government in the state, marks a significant political development ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections.

 

The Cabinet expansion took place on March 15, just a day before the announcement of the Lok Sabha election date. This expansion is particularly noteworthy as it occurred after Mr. Kumar's decision to sever ties with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and rejoin hands with the BJP, marking his fifth political volte-face in a decade to maintain his grip on power.

 

In the oath-taking ceremony, all new Ministers expressed confidence in the NDA's ability to secure victory in all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. This optimism stems from the NDA's remarkable performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls when it secured 39 out of 40 seats in the state.

 

The Cabinet expansion saw the inclusion of both familiar faces and new entrants. Notably, legislators from the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) section of society were given prominence, reflecting the demographic significance revealed in recent caste surveys.

 

Furthermore, the presence of women legislators like Renu Devi (BJP) and Lesi Singh (JD-U) underscores a commitment to gender inclusion in the political landscape. Ms. Devi, who served as Deputy Chief Minister in the previous NDA government, retains her position in the new Cabinet.

 

During the oath-taking ceremony, chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'abki baar 400 ke par' reverberated, showcasing the enthusiasm and optimism among BJP leaders and legislators. On the other hand, JD(U) leaders and legislators echoed their support for Nitish Kumar with chants of 'Nitish Kumar zindabad.'

 

Prior to the ceremony, a Cabinet meeting was held, during which 108 agendas were passed, setting the stage for the government's priorities and agenda in the days to come.

 

Overall, the Cabinet expansion underscores the strategic positioning of the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, signaling a concerted effort to consolidate power and address the diverse needs of Bihar's populace.