The expansion inducted three ministers belonging to forward castes – Rajputs, Bhumihars and Vaishya (Baniya) – and one each from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). (PTI Photo)
The induction of seven new ministers, all from the BJP, into Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet appears to have created uneasiness in the state’s ruling NDA coalition, with a section raising concerns that it has “upset” the power balance ahead of the Assembly elections due in six months.
While some leaders of the Nitish-led JD(U) argue that the Cabinet expansion was long pending since the BJP had not filled the Cabinet vacancies in its share for over a year, others in the party pointed out that the BJP’s decision to appoint ministers from the castes considered to be the JD(U)’s support base, did not go down well with the coalition, especially at a time when the allies have started their poll preparations. BJP sources said it was a move to “reinforce” the party’s “superiority” ahead of the seat-sharing discussions and strategy planning.
Two ministers belonging to the forward castes, three Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and two Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) were inducted, with this expansion being projected as the BJP’s attempt to strengthen the caste balance.
The induction of the ministers from the Kurmi and Kushwaha communities – considered to be Nitish’s targeted vote bank – has however surprised many in the JD(U).
“The decision on the Cabinet expansion was a bit rushed, although the BJP had left its berths vacant for some time. It has left many in the coalition wondering why the BJP, just a few months ahead of the polls, wanted to induct two leaders from the communities that are Nitish Kumar’s strengths,” said a source in the NDA coalition.
BJP sources pointed out that the state party unit’s core committee meeting in Surajkund last December had decided that the ministry slots would be filled soon. “But somehow it kept getting delayed,” said a party leader.
