Patna: As the NDA moves towards establishing a new government in Bihar, its member parties have started compiling their ministerial lists, indicating that the forthcoming cabinet may closely resemble the previous one. Initial discussions within the coalition suggest that numerous senior members of the Janata Dal (United) are likely to keep their roles. Vijay Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Shravan Kumar, Ashok Choudhary, Leshi Singh, Madan Sahni, Jayant Raj, and Sunil Kumar—who were part of the outgoing Nitish Kumar cabinet—are anticipated to be reappointed. Additionally, Manjeet Singh and Ramsevak Singh are under consideration.
There is ongoing speculation that if Sunil Kumar is not retained, either Santosh Nirala or Shyam Rajak might step in as substitutes, although party insiders indicate limited opportunities for new members. The Bharatiya Janata Party, the largest faction in the NDA, is also expected to propose a lineup of well-known figures. Deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Hari Sahni, along with senior ministers Nitin Nabin and Mangal Pandey, are likely to continue in their roles. Yet, there is uncertainty regarding Vijay Sinha’s specific position. While he is expected to return as deputy chief minister, some party members suggest he could instead be assigned the role of Speaker of the Assembly.
Among prospective new candidates, Ramkripal Yadav and Digha MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia are reportedly being considered. In the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Raju Tiwari and Sanjay Paswan are thought to be strong candidates for cabinet positions. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha, headed by Upendra Kushwaha, is anticipated to secure one seat, with his wife, Snehlata Kushwaha, likely to be nominated. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, appears poised to retain the current arrangement, with his son, Santosh Suman, expected to keep his ministerial position and no alterations anticipated in the party’s distribution.
