Bihar ready for next NDA stint; names float for deputy CM, other key posts

BJP's Samrat Chaudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha and Mangal Pandey are likely under consideration for the post of deputy chief ministers, reports said.

Updated on: Nov 19, 2025, 14:07:21 IST

By HT News Desk

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Ground is set in Bihar for the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government after the alliance's landslide victory with 202 seats in the recently concluded assembly polls. Chief minister and Janata Dal (United) supremo Nitish Kumar is set to resign on November 19 and is likely to take oath as chief minister again on Thursday at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

JDU supremo Nitish Kumar with BJP's Samrat Choudhary during inspection of preparations ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Bihar Cabinet, at Gandhi Maidan, in Patna. (PTI)

Follow live updates on Bihar government formation here.

With JD(U) electing Nitish as its legislative party leader, 20 other ministers will be taking oath with the nine time CM as well, reports said. All eyes are now on government formation and portfolio allocation with several names in fray.

The coveted deputy CM post

In the previous NDA government, Bihar had two deputy chief ministers, BJP's Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. The duo is again being considered for the coveted post, alongside Mangal Pandey of the saffron party, as per a report by the ABP.

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Sinha is reportedly being considered as a candidate for the Speaker’s post. Chaudhary won from the Tarapur constituency in the recent assembly elections as he defeated RJD's Arun Kumar and Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP)’s Sakaldeo Bind. Similarly, Sinha won from Lakhisarai, while Pandey bagged the Siwan seat for the NDA.

LJP's push for deputy CM post

According to reports, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan was also claiming the deputy chief minister’s post. However, his demands were resisted by BJP and JD(U). The Times of India reported that the parties of the NDA alliance group held extensive internal consultations on Tuesday to discuss the the ministerial roles and the structure of the new government in Bihar. With 19 MLAs Chirag Paswan’s party is seen as a key mobiliser of Dalit votes.

Frontrunners for Bihar assembly speaker post

Suspense looms over the key position of House speaker, which was held by BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav in the outgoing government. Among the frontrunners for the position are BJP’s Prem Kumar and JD(U)’s Vijay Chowdhary, HT reported earlier.

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JD(U)'s Narendra Narayan Yadav, who served as the deputy speaker, in the outgoing assembly, is also among those in race for the post, Indian Express reported.

Likely ministers in the new Bihar cabinet

Reports said that several former JD(U) ministers are likely to be retained in the new NDA government, including Bijendra Yadav, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Jama Khan, Shravan Kumar, Lesi Singh, Ratnesh Sada and Madan Sahni. JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha and Kaladhar Mandal may be get a berth in the new government, ABP reported.

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Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), Upendra Kushwaha’s wife Sneh Lata is reportedly being considered for a ministerial post.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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