Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has finalized the distribution of portfolios among the 26 cabinet ministers of the newly established NDA government. This allocation strengthens Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas), with two of its ministers assigned crucial departments, indicating the political influence of the LJP within the ruling coalition. Sanjay Singh, an MLA from the Mahua constituency in Vaishali district, has been designated as Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). His electoral success was significant, as he defeated RJD candidate Mukesh Kumar Roshan, with Tej Pratap Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and former minister, finishing in third place. Given PHED’s essential role in enhancing drinking water and sanitation services throughout Bihar, Singh’s position will greatly influence public welfare.
Additionally, Sanjay Paswan, MLA from the Bakhri constituency in Begusarai district, has been appointed Minister of Sugarcane Industry. A first-time MLA who graduated from Pokhariya, Begusarai, Paswan entered the assembly after Bakhri became a reserved seat for the first time, winning decisively against Suryakant Paswan by over 17,000 votes. The assignment of PHED and Sugarcane Industry to LJP (Ram Vilas) ministers highlights the NDA’s strategy to balance power among its partners. As both ministers take on roles that have direct implications for rural livelihoods and essential services, their performance is anticipated to influence the early public perception of the new state government.