The New Power-Sharing Blueprint Takes Shape
After its commanding win in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the NDA has firmed up its formula for the next state government. Leaders from alliance partners, including BJP, JD(U), LJP (RV), HAM, and RLM, met at Nitish Kumar’s residence in Patna to finalize how ministerial berths will be distributed.
Political Background: High Stakes After a Landslide Victory
In a decisive victory, the NDA secured 202 out of 243 seats in Bihar. ([turn0search0]) With this strong mandate, the alliance is moving quickly to translate its electoral success into a stable government. Reports suggest Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) will retain the Chief Minister’s post, while BJP and LJP (RV) are expected to pick up key ministerial and deputy CM positions.
Key Details of the Cabinet Power-Sharing Deal
Here’s how the NDA plans to divide its ministerial berths:
- BJP: Expected to receive around 15-16 ministerial slots.
- JD(U): To hold approximately 14 cabinet positions, in addition to the Chief Minister’s post.
- LJP (RV): Allocated 3 ministries according to the formula.
- HAM (Manjhi): Likely to receive 1 ministerial berth.
- RLM (Upendra Kushwaha): Also expected to have 1 ministerial slot.
- The alliance appears to be following a principle similar to ticket distribution essentially “for every MP, five-six assembly seats,” now translated into ministerial positions.
- Deputy Chief Minister roles may be reconfigured: reports suggest LJP (RV) and BJP could each nominate a deputy CM.
Insight from the Political Leadership
According to insiders, the NDA is sticking with a formula that rewards both electoral strength and alliance loyalty. A senior BJP leader noted that this cabinet-sharing arrangement closely mirrors the ticket distribution strategy used during elections.
Sources close to JD(U) said that with 85 MLAs, the party’s share of the cabinet remains proportional, and they are negotiating carefully to ensure a balance between experience and fresh faces.
Why This Cabinet Formula Matters
- Stability: The formula brings predictability, ensuring that all major NDA partners are represented and their interests are balanced.
- Alliance Harmony: By aligning ministerial berths with ticket distribution logic, NDA leaders are reinforcing internal trust.
- Policy Continuity: With JD(U) holding the CM slot, continuity in governance and policy direction is likely especially after a sweeping mandate.
- Power Dynamics: The distribution suggests NDA’s attempt to maintain dominance while giving enough space to smaller allies like HAM and RLM, strengthening internal cohesion.
What to Expect Next
- Nitish Kumar is expected to call a cabinet meeting, dissolve the current government, and submit his resignation soon.
- A swearing-in ceremony is most likely scheduled for November 19–20, based on reports from alliance circles.
- The NDA may announce the final ministerial list soon, once all alliance partners agree on names and portfolios.
- Expect ongoing strategy sessions to blend fresh leadership with veteran ministers especially as NDA seeks to project unity and momentum.
Conclusion
The NDA’s newly agreed formula for Bihar’s government formation shows a calculated approach: equal reward for partners, stable governance, and a clear roadmap for assembling the next state cabinet. With the cabinet structure nearly settled, all eyes will turn to the swearing-in ceremony and how the new government delivers on its mandate.
