{"id":11028,"date":"2025-02-26T21:11:23","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T15:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bynewsindia.com\/?p=11028"},"modified":"2025-07-31T09:27:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T09:27:28","slug":"bihar-cabinet-expansion-bjp-outnumbers-jdu-nitish-weakened","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/?p=11028","title":{"rendered":"Bihar Politics Shake-Up: Cabinet expansion or BJP\u2019s power grab? Is Nitish now just a figurehead CM?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Bihar Cabinet Expansion: <\/strong>Bihar&#8217;s political landscape has undergone a major shift. The BJP, once playing second fiddle to <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nitish_Kumar\">Nitish Kumar<\/a>\u2019s JDU, has now asserted dominance in the latest cabinet expansion. The party now has 21 ministers in the 36-member Bihar government\u20141.5 times more than JDU, marking a significant power transition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#bj-ps-strategic-cabinet-expansion-aimed-at-2025-elections\">BJP\u2019s Strategic Cabinet Expansion: Aimed at 2025 Elections?<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#why-was-the-cabinet-expansion-delayed\">Why Was the Cabinet Expansion Delayed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#power-dynamics-nitish-has-the-chair-but-bjp-holds-the-reins\">Power Dynamics: Nitish Has the Chair, But BJP Holds the Reins<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#bj-ps-caste-calculation-a-direct-attack-on-rj-ds-vote-bank\">BJP\u2019s Caste Calculation: A Direct Attack on RJD\u2019s Vote Bank<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-27-backward-class-factor\">The 27% Backward Class Factor<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#appeasing-the-36-extremely-backward-class-ebc-voters\">Appeasing the 36% Extremely Backward Class (EBC) Voters<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#overrepresentation-of-upper-castes-bj-ps-core-base\">Overrepresentation of Upper Castes: BJP\u2019s Core Base<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#is-nitish-kumar-losing-his-grip\">Is Nitish Kumar Losing His Grip?<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-this-means-for-the-2025-bihar-elections\">What This Means for the 2025 Bihar Elections<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#final-thoughts-the-road-ahead\">The Road Ahead&#8230; <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bj-ps-strategic-cabinet-expansion-aimed-at-2025-elections\"><strong>BJP\u2019s Strategic Cabinet Expansion: Aimed at 2025 Elections?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With only eight months left for the Bihar Assembly elections, BJP has meticulously crafted its ministerial picks, ensuring representation from almost all major caste groups\u2014except Yadavs, RJD\u2019s stronghold. This move signals BJP\u2019s long-term game plan: consolidating backward caste votes while diminishing Nitish Kumar\u2019s influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two days before the cabinet expansion, BJP National President JP Nadda visited Patna. Sources confirm that he firmly conveyed to JDU leaders that BJP would now focus more on strengthening its own organization, marking a strategic shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-was-the-cabinet-expansion-delayed\"><strong>Why Was the Cabinet Expansion Delayed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The expansion had been in limbo for weeks. Speculation was rife that Nitish Kumar might switch sides again, delaying BJP\u2019s approval. However, once BJP was assured of Nitish\u2019s commitment, the green light was given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another key reason was timing\u2014Bihar\u2019s budget is set to be presented in just four days. Had the expansion been postponed further, it would have been stalled for at least a month due to the budget session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"power-dynamics-nitish-has-the-chair-but-bjp-holds-the-reins\"><strong>Power Dynamics: Nitish Has the Chair, But BJP Holds the Reins<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While Nitish Kumar remains the Chief Minister, the real power now rests with BJP. This shift could work to BJP\u2019s advantage in the 2025 elections, allowing them to establish direct control over the government\u2019s narrative and decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bynewsindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Bihar-Cabinet-Expansion-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bihar Cabinet Expansion: BJP Gains Upper Hand Over Nitish\" class=\"wp-image-11029\" style=\"width:677px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bihar Cabinet Expansion: BJP Gains Upper Hand Over Nitish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bj-ps-caste-calculation-a-direct-attack-on-rj-ds-vote-bank\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">BJP\u2019s Caste Calculation: A Direct Attack on RJD\u2019s Vote Bank<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-27-backward-class-factor\"><strong>The 27% Backward Class Factor<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Backward classes, including Koeri-Kurmi communities, constitute 27% of Bihar\u2019s population. Once staunch supporters of Lalu Prasad Yadav, they gradually shifted towards Nitish Kumar. However, BJP is now eyeing a split in this vote bank, particularly among the Kushwaha community, which has recently shown signs of drifting away from JDU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Previously, there were only six backward caste ministers\u2014four from JDU and two from BJP. But in this expansion, BJP has increased its representation to nine, bringing in more Kushwaha leaders to counter RJD\u2019s influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"appeasing-the-36-extremely-backward-class-ebc-voters\"><strong>Appeasing the 36% Extremely Backward Class (EBC) Voters<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), comprising 36% of Bihar\u2019s population, have historically backed Nitish Kumar. However, JDU\u2019s declining vote share\u2014currently hovering around 16%\u2014suggests that a significant portion of EBCs remains politically unaligned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensing this opportunity, BJP has included two more EBC ministers, making a total of seven (five from BJP, two from JDU). Political analysts states, <em>\u201cBJP is using Nitish Kumar as a bridge to capture the EBC vote bank.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overrepresentation-of-upper-castes-bj-ps-core-base\"><strong>Overrepresentation of Upper Castes: BJP\u2019s Core Base<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite comprising only 15% of Bihar\u2019s population, upper castes now hold 12 cabinet positions\u2014double their proportional representation. Eight of these ministers come from BJP, signaling the party\u2019s commitment to retaining its traditional vote bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The logic behind this move? Winnability. Most upper-caste politicians wield significant financial and social influence, making them strong electoral contenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-nitish-kumar-losing-his-grip\"><strong>Is Nitish Kumar Losing His Grip?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once an unchallenged leader in Bihar, Nitish Kumar\u2019s influence is visibly waning. Political observers note that his age and declining physical health have weakened his ability to resist BJP\u2019s growing dominance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cEarlier, Nitish would never allow BJP to surpass JDU in numbers. But now, even his ministers are more aligned with Delhi than with him,\u201d<\/em> says the Political analysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further complicating matters is Nitish\u2019s personal ambition\u2014reportedly, he wants to launch his son Nishant Kumar in politics. For this, he may need BJP\u2019s backing. Meanwhile, BJP sees Nitish as a temporary yet necessary face, as they still lack a clear Chief Ministerial candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-this-means-for-the-2025-bihar-elections\"><strong>What This Means for the 2025 Bihar Elections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With BJP firmly establishing itself as the senior partner in the coalition, the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are shaping up to be a direct contest between BJP and RJD, with JDU playing a secondary role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If Nitish remains aligned with BJP, he risks further alienation within his own party. On the other hand, if he switches sides, his party may face a split, as several of his key ministers now lean towards BJP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts-the-road-ahead\"><strong>The Road Ahead<\/strong>&#8230; <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bihar\u2019s political chessboard is set, and BJP has made its move. With strategic caste-based appointments, control over government decisions, and a clear electoral roadmap, BJP has positioned itself for a strong showing in the upcoming elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nitish Kumar may still be the Chief Minister, but the strings of power are now firmly in BJP\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bynewsindia.com\/politics\/delhi-cag-reports-aap-govts-alleged-scams-exposed\/\"><strong>14 Explosive CAG Reports Rock Delhi Assembly! AAP Govt\u2019s Alleged Scams Exposed? Why these Reports Important for Delhi?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"gsp_post_data\" data-post_type=\"post\" data-cat=\"politics\" data-modified=\"120\" data-title=\"Bihar Politics Shake-Up: Cabinet expansion or BJP\u2019s power grab? Is Nitish now just a figurehead CM?\" data-home=\"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bihar Cabinet Expansion: Bihar&#8217;s political landscape has undergone a major shift. The BJP, once playing second fiddle to Nitish Kumar\u2019s JDU, has now asserted dominance in the latest cabinet expansion. The party now has 21 ministers in the 36-member Bihar government\u20141.5 times more than JDU, marking a significant power transition. BJP\u2019s Strategic Cabinet Expansion: Aimed<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11030,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[103],"tags":[781,315,316,133,93,94,95,782,783,503,181,99],"class_list":{"0":"post-11028","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-politics","8":"tag-bihar-cabinet-expansion","9":"tag-bihar-news","10":"tag-bihar-politics","11":"tag-bjp","12":"tag-bynews","13":"tag-bynews-special","14":"tag-bynewsindia","15":"tag-jdu","16":"tag-nda","17":"tag-nitish-kumar","18":"tag-political-news","19":"tag-top-stories"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11028","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11028"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11028\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11788,"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11028\/revisions\/11788"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11028"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11028"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khabar18.jantabuletin.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11028"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}