Nitish Kumar Sworn In With Diverse 26-Member Cabinet; Caste Balance In Focus

Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister for the tenth time on Thursday, inaugurating a 26-member cabinet that spans all major caste groups.

The induction at Gandhi Maidan reflects a carefully calibrated approach to caste representation, a decisive factor in the state’s political landscape.

The new council of ministers comprises 14 members from the BJP, eight from JD(U), two from LJP(RV), and one each from RLM and HAM.

Senior BJP leader Mangal Pandey remains the sole Brahmin minister, marking a shift from the previous cabinet where the community had greater representation. No JD(U) Brahmin has been included, signalling a reconfiguration of traditional caste allocations.

The BJP has emphasised Rajput representation with four ministers, Sanjay Tiger, Shreyasi Singh, Leshi Singh, and Sanjay Singh, highlighting a strategic consolidation of support among this community.

The NDA appointed Bhumihar leaders Vijay Kumar Sinha and Vijay Chaudhary to influential roles, while positioning Nitin Naveen from the Kayastha community as a key urban face for the party.

OBC & EBC Representation Maintained

OBCs, the largest social bloc in Bihar, remain well represented. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary (Kushwaha/Koeri) leads alongside Deepak Prakash, Ram Kripal Yadav, Vijendra Prasad Yadav, Shravan Kumar (Kurmi), and Pramod Kumar (Chandravanshi/OBC).

Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) also feature prominently, with ministers including Surendra Mehta, Rama Nishad, Madan Sahani, Lakhendra Kumar Roshan, Sunil Kumar, Santosh Kumar Suman, and Sanjay Kumar.

The cabinet includes Mohammad Jama Khan, reflecting an effort to signal inclusivity to the Muslim community, though numerically limited. Analysts note that such appointments carry symbolic weight in the current political context.

The composition of Nitish Kumar’s new government underscores the NDA’s strategy to maintain broad social representation while consolidating key voter bases. The cabinet reflects the balancing act of caste, community, and political influence that defines Bihar politics.

Also Read: PM Modi Congratulates Newly Sworn-In Bihar Ministers; Calls It A ‘Wonderful Team With Dedicated Leaders’