The Bihar BJP has given the state its Chief Minister, but failed to provide a list of ministers to reflect the party’s vision and strengthen Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary’s position. Political circles are attributing this to internal strife within the BJP. Sources indicate that Samrat Chaudhary had submitted a list to the central leadership based on the performance of ministers in the previous government. However, the central leadership did not give its final approval. Consequently, the list has been shelved for the time being. There is speculation that the list of potential ministers submitted by Samrat Chaudhary did not take into account caste and regional satisfaction. There are other reasons for the shelving of Samrat Chaudhary’s list.
The state BJP is currently divided into several factions. According to discussions regarding factionalism, four major factions are quite active. One faction is believed to be led by the central leadership, Nityanand Rai, and the other by Vijay Kumar Sinha. The third faction is led by Samrat Chaudhary, and the fourth faction emerged after Nitin Naveen became the national president. All of these factions have their own leaders and supporters. It is being said that if the Chief Minister’s post does not work out, at least their supporters should secure as many ministerial positions as possible. All these factions have their own lists of names for ministerial positions.
Vijay Kumar Sinha is currently the most discussed within the BJP. His statement, in which he stated that he proposed Samrat Chaudhary’s name following the commander’s instructions and the dictates of coalition dharma, has led to him being labeled the most disgruntled leader within the BJP. CM Samrat Chaudhary’s tensions with Vijay Kumar Sinha have been discussed on several occasions, both on the stage and in the Assembly. However, this time, their dissatisfaction is being attributed to the dissatisfaction of a large section of the Bhumihar community. Voices of protest have emerged at various places, not accepting the current decision.
Vijay Kumar Sinha’s adjustment is also being considered a reason for the delay in the ministerial list. There is debate about what position should be given to Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha to allay the resentment of the Bhumihar community. Should he be given a larger portfolio or should he be given the Revenue and Land Reforms Department again? This is because Vijay Kumar Sinha has become the public’s favorite in this ministry to curb corruption.
The BJP’s next ministerial list will also be subject to performance evaluation. Those with poor performance could be removed or their departments changed. There is also talk that some new MLAs could be appointed ministers, given the young leadership. The Janata Dal United may also appoint some of Nishant Kumar’s young MLAs as ministers, citing his leadership. Therefore, Samrat Chaudhary also wants his team to be full of young ministers.
The biggest obstacle in preparing the ministerial list is the MLAs who have joined the BJP from other parties. The BJP wants a balanced list to maintain the appeal of outside leaders. If only long-time BJP members are given ministerial positions, MLAs who have left other parties and joined the BJP may feel cheated. If the old guard is given less priority, it will further fuel discontent within the party. Therefore, the BJP high command is preparing to form a balanced cabinet, ensuring no one is upset. However, it is also true that not everyone can be pleased.