Speculation Grows Over Nitish Cabinet Expansion

Brief By Newsbrief / 11:03 AM on 02 Jan 2026

Kharmas has once again become central to Bihar’s political discourse, with strong indications that a cabinet expansion may follow its conclusion. The inauspicious period, which began on December 16, 2025, will end on January 14, 2026. As soon as Kharmas concludes, speculation within political circles suggests that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may move ahead with reshuffling and expanding his council of ministers. Within the NDA camp, lobbying, internal calculations, and political maneuvering have intensified.

After the Bihar Assembly elections, a total of 26 ministers, including the Chief Minister, were inducted into the cabinet. However, the strength was reduced to 25 following the resignation of BJP leader Nitin Nabin, who was appointed as the party’s national working president. This development has reopened discussions around vacant ministerial berths.

As per constitutional provisions and the strength of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the state can have up to 36 ministers, including the Chief Minister. This means Nitish Kumar currently has the scope to appoint 10 additional ministers. According to political sources, the likely formula under consideration could see six ministers inducted from the JD(U) quota and four from the BJP quota, maintaining coalition balance.

The anticipated expansion is seen as politically significant, especially ahead of upcoming electoral and administrative challenges. Party leaders believe it could help strengthen organisational coordination, reward loyal legislators, and sharpen the NDA’s governance narrative. With Kharmas nearing its end, all eyes are now on January 15 and the political decisions that may soon follow.