Bihar’s new government formation is in full swing as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) begins detailed deliberations on ministerial allocations.
With 243 assembly seats, the state can have up to 36 ministers—including the chief minister—under the constitutional ceiling. Following a strong mandate in the recent elections, alliance partners are now shaping the structure of the incoming cabinet.
NDA Considers ‘One Minister Per Six MLAs’ Formula
According to leaders involved in the discussions, the NDA is working on a model that assigns roughly one ministerial post for every six MLAs. This approach aims to maintain proportional representation among the coalition partners—Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) or LJP(RV), Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) or HAM(S).
Under the proposed ratio
- RLM and HAM(S) are expected to receive one berth each,
- LJP(RV) is likely to get three positions,
- and 30–31 cabinet posts will be shared between BJP and JD(U).
Senior leaders indicated that these allocations may undergo minor adjustments, including potential changes to the two deputy chief minister positions.
Previous Cabinet Composition and Election Outcome
The outgoing government had a full cabinet of 36 ministers—21 from the BJP, 13 from the JD(U), one from HAM(S), and one Independent. It also included two deputy chief ministers: Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha of the BJP, both of whom won their seats convincingly in the November 14 polls.
In the recently concluded Bihar Elections 2025, the NDA secured 202 out of 243 seats, with the BJP winning 89, JD(U) 85, LJP(RV) 19, HAM(S) 5, and RLM 4. With several new leaders emerging and a larger mandate to uphold, the final composition of the cabinet is expected to draw significant interest.
On November 16, the Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal submitted the list of all 243 newly elected MLAs to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, officially initiating the process of constituting the 18th Bihar Assembly. The current assembly’s term ends on November 22.
As evident from the PTI reports made available, the framework for the new cabinet is nearing completion. It is expected to feature both experienced leaders and promising newcomers. The selection of the Speaker will be crucial, and as in the past, the position is likely to go to the BJP.
Nitish Kumar Likely to Continue as Chief Minister
Before the swearing-in ceremony, NDA partners will hold separate legislature party meetings, followed by joint sessions in the new week, to choose the alliance’s leader. Although the NDA has not made a formal announcement, both JD(U) leaders and LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan have expressed support for Nitish Kumar to continue as chief minister.
Preparations have already begun at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan for the oath-taking ceremony, with administrative arrangements underway.
With a decisive mandate and heightened expectations for accelerated development, the NDA faces the challenge of selecting a cabinet that delivers both political balance and administrative strength. As key leaders and fresh faces vie for positions, the final cabinet line-up is set to be one of the most closely watched developments in Bihar’s political landscape.
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