Patna, Nov 17, 2025: Following the NDA’s decisive victory in Bihar’s assembly elections, talks on government formation and cabinet allocation are underway among alliance partners. With the 243-member assembly, the maximum number of ministers allowed, including the Chief Minister, is 36 (15% of assembly strength).

Current Numbers and Seat Share (2025 Polls):

• BJP: 89
• JD(U): 85
• LJP(RV): 19
• HAM(S): 5
• RLM: 4

Proposed Ministerial Allocation:

• BJP + JD(U): 30–31 (divided based on seat share and internal negotiations)
• LJP(RV): 3
• HAM(S): 1
• RLM: 1
• Deputy CMs: 2 (possible adjustments under discussion)

Context:

• The outgoing government had 36 ministers, including two deputy chief ministers: Samrat Choudhary (BJP) and Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP). The previous cabinet included 21 BJP ministers, 13 JD(U), 1 HAM(S), and 1 Independent.
• NDA allies are following a rough formula of one ministerial post per six MLAs to maintain proportional representation within the coalition.

Next Steps:

1. Legislature party meetings for each NDA constituent.
2. Joint meeting on Nov 18–19 to elect the leader (expected: Nitish Kumar to continue as CM).
3. Submission of resignation by outgoing CM and discussion of the swearing-in schedule with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
4. Swearing-in ceremony likely on Nov 20 at Gandhi Maidan, with the venue closed to public from Nov 17–20.

Key Leaders in Consultations:

• JD(U): Sanjay Jha, Rajiv Ranjan ‘Lalan’ Singh
• BJP: Dharmendra Pradhan, Vinod Tawde
• Other NDA partners: Upendra Kushwaha (RLM), Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM[S]), Nityanand Rai

Notes:

• HAM(S) has maintained that it will not demand ministerial berths.
• LJP(RV) has expressed support for Nitish Kumar as CM.
• Cabinet blueprint expected to include a mix of experienced leaders and new faces, with BJP likely to retain the Speaker post.

This alignment ensures balanced representation across NDA allies while reflecting the seat shares in the assembly.