Major Cabinet Reshuffle in Bihar: Home Ministry Goes to BJP
In a significant political move, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reallocated key portfolios, handing the crucial Home Department to ally BJP. This reshuffle strengthens the JD(U)-BJP coalition ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Key Changes: Home Portfolio Now with BJP
The most notable shift is BJP leader Samrat Choudhary taking charge of the Home Ministry, which governs law and order, police, and internal security. Nitish Kumar’s decision signals BJP’s rising influence in Bihar’s governance.
Political experts view this as a strategic concession by Nitish to maintain alliance stability amid ongoing seat-sharing negotiations. The BJP has termed it a “natural adjustment” in coalition politics.
Full List of Portfolio Allocations
Here’s a breakdown of key ministries after the reshuffle:
BJP Ministers:
- Samrat Choudhary (Deputy CM):
- Home Department (new)
- Public Works Department (PWD) (retained)
- Vijay Kumar Sinha (Deputy CM):
- Road Construction
- Urban Development & Housing
- Mangal Pandey:
- Health
- Disaster Management
- Niraj Kumar Singh:
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
JD(U) Ministers:
- Vijay Kumar Chaudhary:
- Finance & Commercial Taxes (retained)
- Parliamentary Affairs
- Ashok Choudhary:
- Education
- SC/ST Welfare
- Shravan Kumar:
- Rural Development
- Panchayati Raj
Political Implications: Nitish Kumar’s Balancing Act
By relinquishing the Home Ministry, Nitish Kumar has averted potential BJP friction while retaining control over key sectors like Finance, Education, and Rural Development. However, opposition leaders like RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav accuse Nitish of “surrendering” to BJP dominance.
What’s Next for Bihar Politics?
With the 2024 elections approaching, this reshuffle may foreshadow further negotiations over seat-sharing. The BJP’s stronger administrative role could lead to demands for more parliamentary seats, testing JD(U)’s leverage.
Nitish Kumar’s ability to maintain alliance harmony while asserting his governance agenda will shape Bihar’s political future.
