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Nitish Kumar Returns as Bihar CM in NDA Comeback
In a dramatic political shift, Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister for a historic ninth time, marking his return to the BJP-led NDA alliance. The ceremony at Raj Bhavan concluded his Mahagathbandhan partnership with the RJD and set the stage for a renewed power dynamic ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Deputy CMs and Cabinet Composition
BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers, signaling a fresh power-sharing arrangement. The new 27-member cabinet (including the CM) comprises ministers from JD(U), BJP, and HAM, reflecting careful caste and social calculations.
Minority and Women Representation Under Scrutiny
The lone Muslim minister, Khursheed (Firoz Ahmed) of JD(U), has drawn attention given Bihar’s 17% Muslim population. Critics argue this is a sharp decline from the previous government’s minority inclusion.
Only three women—Leshi Singh (JD(U)), Renu Devi (BJP), and Sheela Kumari Mandal (Independent)—were inducted, raising questions about Nitish Kumar’s commitment to women’s empowerment despite his popular welfare schemes.
Political Strategy and Challenges Ahead
The cabinet prioritizes consolidating the NDA’s core voter base—upper castes, non-Yadav OBCs, and EBCs—while aiming to retain Nitish’s traditional supporters. The immediate test is a floor test to prove majority, followed by Lok Sabha seat-sharing negotiations.
With this alliance, the BJP regains a crucial Hindi heartland foothold, while Nitish Kumar secures another term—but balancing BJP’s ideology with his governance agenda may prove his toughest challenge yet.
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