Bihar to Expand Cabinet on May 7 at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan; PM Modi, Amit Shah Expected

Bihar’s ruling coalition will expand its cabinet on May 7 at the historic Gandhi Maidan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, officials said.

The expansion comes weeks after Samrat Chaudhary took office as chief minister on April 15, following the resignation of Nitish Kumar, who has since moved to the Rajya Sabha.

Preparations are underway for a large-scale event in Patna, where leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are expected to gather. According to sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) are likely to get 16 ministerial positions each under a mutually agreed formula.

The cabinet currently has only three members, including the chief minister, leaving significant room for expansion. Bihar can have a maximum of 36 ministers.

In addition to BJP and JD(U), smaller NDA allies are also expected to be accommodated. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, is likely to get two berths. Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), headed by Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha of Upendra Kushwaha may receive one berth each.

Chaudhary recently visited New Delhi, where he held discussions with senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, to finalize the list of ministers. He also met key NDA allies such as Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Nityanand Rai.

Back in Patna, consultations were held with senior JD(U) leaders, including Nitish Kumar, as the coalition worked to balance political representation.

Sources said the cabinet formation will prioritize caste and regional representation, while also aiming to induct younger leaders and increase the participation of women. Some experienced figures, including Vijay Kumar Sinha, are expected to return, alongside new faces.

The state currently has two deputy chief ministers from JD(U) — Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav — both considered close aides of Nitish Kumar.