Patna, Nov 19, 2025 – Bihar is all set for the formation of its new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government following the alliance’s resounding victory in the recent assembly elections, securing 202 of the 243 seats. Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) supremo Nitish Kumar is expected to resign on November 19, ahead of taking oath for a record 10th term at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

With JD(U) electing Nitish as its legislative party leader, the stage is now set for the swearing-in of 20 ministers alongside the chief minister. Political observers are closely watching the deliberations over ministerial portfolios and the allocation of key posts, including the much-coveted deputy chief minister positions.

Deputy Chief Minister Posts: Contenders Emerge

In the outgoing NDA government, Bihar had two deputy chief ministers: BJP’s Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Both leaders are reportedly under consideration for the role once again, alongside BJP veteran Mangal Pandey. Chaudhary, who secured a win from Tarapur constituency by defeating RJD’s Arun Kumar and VIP’s Sakaldeo Bind, and Sinha, who emerged victorious from Lakhisarai, are seen as frontrunners for the deputy CM posts. Mangal Pandey, representing Siwan, is also in contention, reflecting the BJP’s strategy to balance regional and caste equations in cabinet formation.

The deputy chief minister position has also attracted interest from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan. With 19 MLAs, his party is considered a key mobiliser of Dalit votes. However, reports suggest that BJP and JD(U) resisted his claims for the post, indicating a delicate negotiation among NDA allies on representation and power-sharing. Extensive internal consultations among the NDA parties were held on November 18 to finalise ministerial roles and the structure of the new cabinet.

Bihar Assembly Speaker Post: A Tight Contest

Another significant position under consideration is that of the Bihar Assembly Speaker, previously held by BJP’s Nand Kishore Yadav. Reports indicate that BJP’s Prem Kumar and JD(U)’s Vijay Chowdhary are frontrunners for the role. JD(U) leader Narendra Narayan Yadav, who served as the deputy speaker in the outgoing assembly, is also in the running. The Speaker post is critical for the NDA as it oversees legislative proceedings and ensures smooth functioning of the assembly, particularly given the alliance’s strong majority.

Likely Ministers in the New Cabinet

Several former JD(U) ministers are likely to be retained in the new government, ensuring continuity and experience in governance. Names mentioned in reports include Bijendra Yadav, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Jama Khan, Shravan Kumar, Lesi Singh, Ratnesh Sada, and Madan Sahni. Additionally, JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha and Kaladhar Mandal are expected to be included in the cabinet, reflecting the party’s intent to maintain internal cohesion and reward loyalists.

Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) is also expected to secure representation in the cabinet, with Upendra Kushwaha’s wife Sneh Lata reportedly being considered for a ministerial berth. These appointments highlight the NDA’s strategy to maintain a balance between political alliances, caste representation, and regional diversity.

Formation of the New NDA Government

The NDA’s landslide victory in Bihar reinforces the “double-engine” narrative promoted by the alliance, emphasising stability and continuity of governance. Nitish Kumar, who has been a central figure in Bihar politics for decades, is expected to take oath as chief minister once again, bringing his experience and administrative acumen to the forefront.

The NDA government is also expected to prioritise key developmental agendas, including infrastructure, education, health, and social welfare schemes. With portfolios being finalised, political analysts are watching closely how the cabinet balances experienced ministers with newcomers, ensuring representation across caste, region, and party lines.

Political Significance and Public Expectations

The formation of the new NDA government in Bihar comes at a time of heightened political expectations from the electorate. Citizens and observers alike are keen to see how the government will translate its electoral promises into actionable policies, particularly in areas of employment generation, rural development, and law and order.

The selection of deputy chief ministers and cabinet ministers is not only a matter of political representation but also a signal of the alliance’s strategic priorities. The NDA leadership is expected to finalise appointments that reinforce governance stability while rewarding key allies and loyalists.

Conclusion

As Bihar prepares for the swearing-in ceremony at Gandhi Maidan, political attention is firmly focused on the distribution of portfolios, the selection of deputy chief ministers, and the appointment of the assembly speaker. With Nitish Kumar likely to continue as chief minister and experienced leaders from the BJP and JD(U) being considered for crucial posts, the NDA government aims to deliver continuity, stability, and inclusive governance in Bihar’s next term.

The upcoming days will provide clarity on cabinet composition, ministerial responsibilities, and the government’s policy priorities, setting the tone for Bihar’s development trajectory under its new NDA administration.