More than a dozen ministers were removed from the new Cabinet, among them Nitish Mishra, the Industries Minister who was widely regarded as one of the previous government's top performers for helping attract record investment proposals to Bihar. Mishra had secured a victory margin of over 50,000 votes in Jhanjharpur. The swearing-in ceremony at Gandhi Maidan also saw the presence of Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from several NDA-governed States.

 

The BJP, which became the single-largest party in the Assembly by securing 89 seats, claimed the highest number of Cabinet positions. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha continued as Deputy Chief Ministers, while leaders such as Mangal Pandey, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, Nitin Nabin, Ram Kripal Yadav, Sanjay Singh Tiger, Arun Shankar Prasad, Surendra Mehta, Narayan Prasad, Rama Nishad, Lakhendra Kumar Raushan, Shreyashi Singh, and Pramod Kumar were also included from the party.

 

The ministers sworn in from the JD(U) included Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Ashok Choudhary, Lesi Singh, Shravan Kumar, Mohammad Zama Khan, Madan Sahani, and Sunil Kumar. The LJP (Ram Vilas) secured two berths, with Sanjay Kumar and Sanjay Kumar Singh inducted into the Cabinet. Santosh Kumar Suman from HAM(S) and Deepak Prakash, son of RLM leader Upendra Kushwaha, were also included in the new government. Since Prakash is currently neither an MLA nor an MLC, he must obtain membership in either the Assembly or the Legislative Council within six months to continue as a minister.

 

Of the 26 ministers who took oath, 21 are MLAs and four are MLCs. The newly formed Assembly will convene for a three-day session starting November 26, during which the Speaker will be elected and the new members will be sworn in. Prem Kumar, a nine-time MLA from Gaya Town, is the frontrunner for the Speaker’s post. Nitish Kumar has also ensured careful caste representation in the new Cabinet — eight ministers are from the General Category, six each from the OBC and EBC groups, and five belong to Scheduled Castes. Among the upper castes, Rajputs, Brahmins, Bhumihars, and Kayasthas were given priority. Within the OBC category, Kushwaha, Kurmi, and Yadav communities received representation, while from the EBCs, members of the Kahar, Mallah, Teli, Nishad, Dhanuk, and Sudhi groups were included. The SC representation features ministers from the Paasi, Mushar, Paswan, and Ravidas communities. Notably, four Rajput ministers were inducted — the highest number from any single caste.

 

After the swearing-in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi waved his gamcha to the crowd, which enthusiastically waved back. The ceremony drew a huge turnout, including many Jeevika Didis, who played a key role in the NDA’s return to power. The Prime Minister later posted on X, congratulating Nitish Kumar on becoming Chief Minister once again, praising his long experience and record of good governance. He also extended his best wishes to Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, who continue as Deputy Chief Ministers.

 

“Congratulations to Samrat Choudhary Ji and Vijay Sinha Ji on being appointed Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar. Both leaders have a strong record of working at the grassroots and serving the people. My best wishes to them,” Prime Minister Modi said. He described the new Cabinet as a “wonderful team” of committed leaders who, he believes, will guide Bihar toward greater progress and development.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X that the double-engine government would work with renewed determination to fulfill the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Developed Bihar” and ensure growth for every section of society. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who skipped the ceremony despite being invited, congratulated Nitish Kumar and the new Cabinet through a social media post. He expressed hope that the incoming government would meet public expectations, honour its commitments, and bring meaningful, positive changes to the lives of people in Bihar.