By – Shubhendra Singh Rajawat
Patna, February 26, 2025 – Just days before the Bihar Budget Session is set to begin on February 28, a significant political development has taken place in the state. Bihar BJP’s senior leader and state president, Dilip Jaiswal, has resigned from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet. This move has set the stage for a cabinet reshuffle and expansion, which is expected to take place by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.
Cabinet Expansion on the Horizon
As of now, there has been no official preparation at the Raj Bhavan for the cabinet expansion. However, with Jaiswal’s resignation officially submitted and the ‘one person, one post’ policy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in effect, the process is now imminent. Sources suggest that a strong BJP leader will replace Jaiswal in Nitish Kumar’s cabinet. The resignation has been communicated to the Governor, and a request has been made for a suitable time slot for the swearing-in ceremony.
Dilip Jaiswal’s Resignation Offer
The Bihar Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session is set to commence on February 28. Prior to this, an emergency meeting of Nitish Kumar’s council of ministers was convened on February 25, fueling speculation about impending government changes. On February 26, Dilip Jaiswal openly declared his intention to resign from the ministerial post, stating that he would focus on his responsibilities as the state BJP chief under the ‘one person, one post’ rule. Soon after his announcement, reports of a possible cabinet reshuffle gained momentum. Jaiswal’s resignation was promptly submitted to the Governor’s office, along with a request for a swearing-in ceremony for new ministers.
Discussions Underway for New Ministerial Appointments
Within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), discussions are actively ongoing regarding the selection of new ministers. The key question remains whether the government will induct fresh faces into the cabinet or adopt an alternative strategy. Additionally, certain ministers who currently oversee multiple departments may see their portfolios reshuffled.
Jaiswal’s appointment as Bihar BJP President in July had already hinted at his eventual resignation from the cabinet, given the party’s long-standing policy against holding dual posts. His departure now clears the way for a cabinet expansion that is expected to be strategically planned, keeping electoral considerations in mind.
Caste Equations to Play a Crucial Role in Cabinet Expansion
According to sources, the upcoming cabinet reshuffle will focus on maintaining caste balance ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. The expansion may include five to six new ministers, with BJP expected to induct three to four members and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] bringing in one to two ministers. Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, has also put forth a demand for an additional ministerial post.
Caste representation is likely to be a key factor in the selection process. Reports suggest that two ministers may be appointed from the upper-caste Rajput and Bhumihar communities, while two others may be chosen from the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) category. Additionally, one minister from the Backward Class and one from the Kurmi community are also expected to be included in the reshuffle.
Political Implications of the Reshuffle
The reshuffle and expansion are being viewed as a crucial move by the ruling coalition to consolidate its voter base ahead of the next elections. By balancing caste equations and bringing in new faces, the government aims to maintain political stability and ensure a strong electoral strategy.
With the BJP, JD(U), and their allies engaged in intense discussions, all eyes are now on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s next move. The political landscape of Bihar is set for a significant shift as the state heads into the crucial Budget Session.