In a significant political development that could signal a power shift in Bihar politics, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has handed over the crucial Home portfolio to BJP leader Samrat Choudhary. The move came during a major cabinet expansion that saw 26 ministers taking oath on Thursday, November 21, 2025.
Major Cabinet Reshuffle in Bihar
The portfolio redistribution marks a notable change in the state's administrative structure. Samrat Choudhary, a prominent BJP leader, has now taken charge of the Home department, which was previously under the direct supervision of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself.
This development is particularly significant given that the Home portfolio is considered one of the most powerful positions in any state government, controlling law and order and police administration. The decision to transfer this key responsibility to a BJP representative suggests a rebalancing of power within the ruling coalition.
Coalition Mathematics and Ministerial Distribution
The newly sworn-in ministry presents a clear picture of the coalition's composition and power dynamics. Out of the 26 ministers who took oath alongside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, 14 belong to the BJP, giving the party the largest representation in the cabinet.
The Janata Dal (United) secured eight ministerial positions, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) received two berths. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) each got one ministerial position in the allocation.
This distribution underscores the BJP's dominant position within the ruling National Democratic Alliance in Bihar, with the party holding more than half of the ministerial positions in the expanded cabinet.
Political Implications and Future Scenarios
The portfolio allocation, particularly the Home department going to Samrat Choudhary, is being interpreted by political observers as a strategic move that could have far-reaching consequences for Bihar's political landscape.
The timing of this cabinet expansion and portfolio redistribution comes at a crucial juncture in Bihar politics, with various political parties already preparing for upcoming electoral battles. The move strengthens the BJP's direct control over key administrative functions while potentially freeing up Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to focus on broader governance issues.
Political analysts are watching closely to see how this power rebalancing will affect the coordination between alliance partners and the implementation of government policies in the state. The Home portfolio's transfer to a BJP leader represents one of the most significant administrative changes in recent Bihar politics and could define the coalition's functioning in the coming months.
