Modi cabinet 2024 saw the induction of eight leaders from Bihar. This move is seen as a strategic step towards achieving the right caste balance in the Union Council of Ministers from the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s forecourt in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office and secrecy to Modi and his cabinet ministers. The event marked the beginning of Modi’s third term as the head of a coalition government.
Key Figures from Bihar in Modi cabinet 2024
Among the eight leaders from Bihar in Modi cabinet 2024 , four are from BJP allies. They include former Bihar Chief Minister and HAM (S) patron Jitan Ram Manjhi, JD(U), MP from Munger Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, BJP MP from Begusarai Giriraj Singh, and LJP (RV) MP from Hajipur Chirag Paswan. These leaders were sworn in as cabinet ministers.
The remaining four MPs—Nityanand Rai (Ujiarpur), Raj Bhushan Choudhary Nishad, BJP MP from Muzaffarpur, and two Rajya Sabha members, Satish Chandra Dubey and Ram Nath Thakur—have been appointed union ministers of state.
Jitan Ram Manjhi
Jitan Ram Manjhi, the patron of Hindustani Awam Morcha, won the Lok Sabha election from the Gaya (SC) seat. He is a well-known Mahadalit figure in caste-ridden Bihar. He has been appointed as the Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to keep NDA partners intact in Bihar.
Chirag Paswan
Chirag Paswan, Chief of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), is being inducted as the Minister of Food Processing Industries for the first time.The 42-year-old has emerged as a prominent Dalit leader, particularly among Paswans, following his father Ram Vilas Paswan’s death in October 2020. He won from the Hajipur (SC) seat. He is getting a lot of praise these days as all five candidates from his party won in the Bihar Lok Sabha Election 2024.
Giriraj Singh
Giriraj Singh, a BJP stalwart, continues his tenure as a key member of the Union Cabinet. Representing the Begusarai constituency, Singh is known for his vocal stance on national issues. He has been appointed as the Minister of Textiles.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh
Rajiv Ranjan Singh, commonly known as Lalan Singh, represents the JD(U) from Munger. He is included in the cabinet as the Minister of Panchayati Raj, and Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy. It highlights the NDA’s commitment to maintaining a strong alliance with regional parties and addressing regional aspirations.
Nityanand Rai
Nityanand Rai, representing Ujiarpur, has been a significant figure in Bihar politics. As a Union Minister of State, his role is expected to focus on critical issues affecting his constituency and the broader state of Bihar.
Raj Bhushan Choudhary Nishad
Raj Bhushan Choudhary Nishad, the BJP MP from Muzaffarpur, has been appointed as a Union Minister of State. His inclusion is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s influence in his region.
Satish Chandra Dubey and Ram Nath Thakur
Satish Chandra Dubey and Ram Nath Thakur, both Rajya Sabha members, have also been appointed as Union Ministers of State. Their roles are anticipated to bolster the representation of Bihar in the central government.
Although eight ministers from Bihar are inducted in the new NDA government, many people feel that Bihar lost out on important portfolios like the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology despite NDA winning big from Bihar in the recent election. These ministries have been held previously by leaders from Bihar like Lalu Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Ravi Shankar Prasad. As Nitish Kumar’s JDU is part of the NDA as a coalition partner, it was expected that JDU might ask for key ministries in the newly formed government.
Strategic Importance of Bihar Representation
The strategic inclusion of eight MPs from Bihar in Modi cabinet 2024 underscores the central government’s recognition of Bihar’s political and electoral significance. This move is particularly crucial as it comes ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections. By ensuring a diverse and representative cabinet, the BJP aims to solidify its position in the state and secure a stronghold for future electoral battles.
Caste Dynamics and Electoral Strategy
Bihar’s complex caste dynamics play a pivotal role in its politics. The inclusion of leaders from various castes and communities in the cabinet is a calculated move to address these dynamics. Jitan Ram Manjhi’s representation of the Mahadalit community and Chirag Paswan’s leadership among the Dalits are particularly significant.
Nitish Kumar has given Lalan Singh a higher position to make the unhappy Bhumihar community feel better. At the same time, he has appointed Ramnath Thakur, who belongs to the EBC caste, as a minister to secure votes from his main supporters. The EBC community makes up more than 36% of Bihar’s population. They have shown their trust in Nitish Kumar in this election as well.
These appointments are likely to resonate with their respective communities and consolidate the NDA’s support base.
Developmental Focus
The new cabinet is expected to prioritize developmental projects and initiatives aimed at boosting Bihar’s socio-economic status. With leaders like Giriraj Singh and Nityanand Rai holding key portfolios, there is optimism about accelerated development in infrastructure, agriculture, and social welfare schemes. These efforts are anticipated to address long-standing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment in rural areas.
Impact on Bihar’s Political Landscape
The induction of these eight leaders into the Modi cabinet 2024 is poised to have a profound impact on Bihar’s political landscape. It signals the BJP’s commitment to inclusive governance and its strategy to maintain a robust alliance with regional parties. This move is also likely to influence the political equations within the state, as it brings together leaders with diverse backgrounds and constituencies.
Strengthening NDA’s Position
By including leaders from JD(U) and LJP (RV) alongside BJP stalwarts, the NDA aims to present a united front. This coalition is expected to work synergistically to address state-specific issues and deliver on the promises made during the elections. The unified approach is anticipated to strengthen the NDA’s position in Bihar, making it a formidable force in the upcoming assembly elections.
Future Prospects
The future prospects for Bihar under this new cabinet appear promising. With a focus on development, social justice, and inclusive growth, the Modi government aims to transform Bihar into a model state. The strategic appointments in the cabinet are a step towards achieving this vision, ensuring that the state’s unique needs and aspirations are effectively addressed.
The inclusion of eight MPs from Bihar in Modi cabinet 2024 marks a significant development in Indian politics. It not only reflects the importance of Bihar in the central government’s plans but also underscores the strategic foresight of the BJP and its allies. As Bihar prepares for the 2025 assembly elections, the impact of this move will be closely watched. The people of Bihar are hopeful that their new representatives in the Union Cabinet will bring about meaningful change and usher in an era of prosperity and development.
