Patna, May 8(BiharTimes): Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday carried out his first cabinet expansion at Gandhi Maidan, inducting 32 ministers in a high-profile ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The expansion marked a major political moment for the NDA government in the state, with representation from all five alliance partners following their victory in the Bihar Assembly elections.
The induction of Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, emerged as the key highlight. He was sworn in as Health Minister, weeks after formally entering politics, signalling a generational shift within the party.
Prime Minister Modi, on his arrival in Patna, received a grand welcome from party workers who organised a roadshow across the city. Addressing supporters, he expressed gratitude for the reception and said the public support reflected confidence in the government’s development agenda.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary retained key departments including Home, General Administration, Vigilance and Cabinet Secretariat.
Among other allocations, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary was given Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs, while Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav was assigned the Finance portfolio. Vijay Kumar Sinha was given Agriculture, and Nishant Kumar was assigned Health.
Former Health Minister Mangal Pandey was not allocated any portfolio, drawing attention in political circles.
The cabinet reflects a balanced distribution among alliance partners. The BJP, the largest party in the 243-member Assembly with 89 MLAs, has 15 ministers. JD(U) is also represented by 15 ministers, including the two Deputy Chief Ministers who had taken oath earlier.
Leaders from alliance partners, including Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, were also inducted. Among them are Sanjay Kumar Singh, Sanjay Kumar Paswan, Santosh Kumar Suman and Deepak Prakash.
Other prominent ministers include Ashok Choudhary (Food and Consumer Protection), Ram Kripal Yadav (Cooperation), Leshi Singh (Housing Construction), and Kedar Prasad Gupta (Tourism).
The cabinet expansion signals the NDA government’s intent to combine experienced leaders with new entrants while maintaining political balance across alliance partners. The newly formed team is expected to focus on governance delivery and development priorities in the state.
