Patna. After winning the floor test in the Bihar Assembly, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's new government is now in full action mode. Bihar politics was abuzz on Saturday when former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Nitish Kumar met with CM Samrat Choudhary. Union Minister Lallan Singh was also present with Nitish Kumar. This was Nitish Kumar's first formal meeting with him since he became Chief Minister. It is being described as a courtesy call, but it hints at a cabinet expansion.

A 20-Minute Meeting and Future Strategy
Nitish Kumar, Samrat Choudhary, and Lallan Singh held a 20-minute meeting at the Chief Minister's residence. While officially described as a courtesy call, sources indicate that the outline of the new government's cabinet expansion was discussed during the meeting. The NDA has assumed power with a landslide victory of 202 seats, and discussions are in the final stages regarding portfolio allocation and the inclusion of new faces among the allies.

Met with Deputy CM in the morning
Before meeting the Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar also visited Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Yadav's residence in the morning. Bijendra Yadav is not only the Deputy CM but also one of the most senior leaders of the JDU. Nitish Kumar's meeting with the Deputy CM and then the CM in the same day confirms that the government's structure is being finalized behind the scenes. Political circles are buzzing that efforts are being made to balance regional and caste equations in the cabinet.

Who could get a place in the cabinet?
After passing the floor test, Samrat Chaudhary will now expand his cabinet. It is expected that several new and young faces may be included from the BJP quota, while the JDU may bring back its experienced ministers. Chirag Paswan's party (LJP-RV) and Jitan Ram Manjhi's party (HAM) are also expected to receive a respectable share based on their strike rates. This expansion may also reflect 'Mission 2029' (Lok Sabha elections).
Nitish Kumar as 'Kingmaker'
Although Nitish Kumar is no longer the Chief Minister, his active involvement within the NDA indicates that he remains at the center of Bihar politics. As a Rajya Sabha MP, he serves as a strong link between the central government and the state. His coordination with Samrat Chaudhary is aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the new government without any internal strife.
Emphasis on Development Agenda
The Samrat Chaudhary government has indicated that a series of major announcements will begin in the state immediately after the cabinet expansion. Employment for the youth, law and order, and accelerating pending development projects are the government's priorities. Some major decisions may be approved in the first formal cabinet meeting itself.