The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar is set to undergo a significant cabinet expansion on May 7, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to take place at the historic Gandhi Maidan. Preparations for the high-profile political event are already in full swing, signaling an important phase in the state’s governance and political strategy.
The current government, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, is expected to reshuffle and expand its council of ministers within the constitutional cap of 36 members, including the Chief Minister. At present, the administration includes two Deputy Chief Ministers from the Janata Dal (United) — Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav.
Just days ahead of the expansion, Chief Minister Choudhary met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, along with other senior BJP leaders. The meeting has intensified speculation about the final shape of the new cabinet, suggesting that the expansion is being carefully calibrated at both the state and central levels of the alliance.
According to sources, the expanded cabinet is expected to reflect a balanced representation among NDA constituents. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to secure 12 ministerial positions, while the JD(U) may receive 11. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is expected to get two berths, and one seat each may go to Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). Interestingly, around six ministerial posts are likely to be kept vacant for future adjustments.
Within JD(U), all eight current ministers are expected to retain their positions, indicating continuity within the party’s leadership. Additionally, five new faces — Shweta Gupta, Bhagwan Kushwaha, Ratnesh Sada, Sheele Mandal, and Bulo Mandal — are likely to be inducted, signaling an effort to bring fresh representation into governance.
Samrat Choudhary assumed office as Chief Minister in April 2026 following the resignation of veteran leader Nitish Kumar. Kumar stepped down after being elected to the Rajya Sabha, bringing an end to his long tenure in Bihar politics. His exit paved the way for a BJP-led leadership in the state under Choudhary.
Speculation had earlier surrounded the possible induction of Nishant Kumar as Deputy Chief Minister. However, Nishant Kumar publicly declined any role in the government, putting an end to such discussions.
The cabinet expansion is widely viewed as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the NDA’s internal cohesion and electoral preparedness. With the alliance holding a comfortable majority of 201 seats in the Bihar Assembly — including 88 seats for the BJP and 85 for JD(U) — the reshuffle is expected to further consolidate its political base.
Beyond numbers, the exercise is also being seen as an attempt to strike a balance among caste and regional equations, a critical factor in Bihar’s political landscape. By accommodating new leaders and maintaining representation across communities, the NDA aims to reinforce its position ahead of future political developments.
As Bihar gears up for the May 7 ceremony, all eyes will be on Gandhi Maidan, where the expanded cabinet will take oath, marking a new chapter in the state’s political journey.
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