The political stage in Patna was fully set today, Thursday, as Nitish Kumar took the oath for a historic tenth term as the Chief Minister of Bihar.
The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a roster of national dignitaries, was more than just a formality—it was a powerful political statement by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) confirming both its unity and its forward-looking Cabinet Strategy.
Strategic Deputy CMs: Caste Balance Confirmed
The BJP has strategically maintained continuity in its core leadership, reinforcing its long-term plan for the state. This is a critical component of the Nitish Kumar 10th Oath Cabinet Strategy:
Samrat Choudhary (OBC Koiri): Re-elected as the BJP’s leader, Choudhary will return as Deputy CM. His retention confirms the central BJP leadership’s intention to nurture him as the party’s main Backward Caste face in Bihar.
Vijay Kumar Sinha (Upper Caste): Also set to return as Deputy CM, Sinha plays a vital role in consolidating the party’s traditionally loyal upper-caste support base.
This twin-deputy approach ensures representation and balance across the NDA’s legislative structure.
The Cabinet Formula: Minister-to-MLA Ratio
The NDA finalized its cabinet-sharing formula quickly, settling on a ratio of one minister per six MLAs. The resulting ministerial division demonstrates the strength and accommodation of the coalition partners:
| Party | Estimated Minister Count | Rationale |
| BJP | 15 | Largest share; reflecting their legislative strength. |
| JD(U) | 14 | Second-largest share; securing key portfolios alongside the CM post. |
| LJP (RV) | 3 | Recognition of their electoral performance. |
| HAM & RLM | 1 Each | Ensures representation for minor allies like Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAMS and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM. |
While the LJP(RV) had reportedly sought a Deputy Chief Minister post, sources indicate the BJP-JD(U) leadership jointly denied the request, prioritizing the established two-Deputy structure.
Voice of the Coalition Partners
At the legislative meeting where Nitish Kumar was formally elected leader, alliance partners spoke to the strength of the combined leadership:
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized PM Modi’s continued commitment to the state’s development, thanking the people of Bihar for their trust.
LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan, a significant emerging force, stated that the new government’s mission is to fulfil his late father’s vision for Bihar.
HAMS chief Jitan Ram Manjhi offered high praise for the CM: “Today, there is hardly a leader who is not affected by anti-incumbency. Nitish Kumar’s popularity remains high despite 20 years in power.”
The swift government formation, which followed Kumar’s unanimous election as the NDA legislative leader yesterday, hinges on key strategic appointments and a carefully calibrated coalition formula designed for stability and future electoral success.
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