The Bihar Cabinet is set to witness an expansion at 4 pm today, with five new BJP legislators likely to be inducted, according to sources. The development follows BJP’s Bihar unit President Dilip Jaiswal's resignation as Revenue Minister, in adherence to the party’s ‘one person, one post’ principle.
Jaiswal, confirmed his decision, stating, “I am going to resign from the post of Revenue Minister. ‘One person, one post’ is the principle on which the party works. I am thankful that the central leadership has given me the responsibility of the party's state unit. Cabinet expansion is the prerogative of the Chief Minister.”
As per sources, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will determine whether additional members from the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] will be included in the expansion.
Among the BJP legislators expected to be inducted are Tarkishore Prasad, Sanjay Saraogi, Raju Yadav, and Awadhesh Patel. Other potential names include Krishan Kumar Mantu, Vijay Mandal, Raju Singh, and Jivesh Mishra.
The expansion comes merely two days ahead of the Bihar Budget Session, set to commence on Friday.
The current Cabinet has 30 ministers—15 from the BJP, 13 from the JD(U), one from the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and an Independent. Six positions remain vacant.
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Union Minister JP Nadda and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had engaged in discussions regarding the Cabinet expansion after previous deliberations did not reach a conclusion.
Sources indicate that Bihar’s BJP in-charge Vinod Tawde is set to depart for Delhi today, with the expansion proceeding only after central BJP leadership’s approval of the names submitted by the Nitish Kumar-led government.
Meanwhile, Jaiswal is expected to meet Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shortly to formally submit his resignation. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has already reached the Chief Minister’s residence.
Currently, many BJP ministers in the state hold multiple portfolios. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha heads three departments, while ministers Mangal Pandey and Nitish Mishra each handle two.
There is speculation that two new JD(U) faces may also be inducted into the Cabinet.
Additionally, two representatives from the Rajput and Bhumihar communities could be included in the ministerial expansion, adding to the BJP’s caste balancing strategy.
The Cabinet expansion is expected to shape the political landscape of Bihar as the state gears up for elections later this year.
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