‘Muslims of Bihar want to see real participation, not just lip service. This time the cabinet should show that the government hears our voice’
NEW DELHI – As preparations continue for Nitish Kumar’s oath-taking ceremony on Thursday, there is growing attention on which Muslim leaders may find a place in his new cabinet. Senior figures within the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) say the party is now serious about giving Muslims better representation, especially after the community showed consistent support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Nitish Kumar met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, handing over the list of newly elected NDA MLAs and staking claim to form the government. He will now take oath as chief minister for the tenth time, a rare milestone in Indian politics.
Full-scale arrangements are being made at Gandhi Maidan in Patna for the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, senior BJP leaders and chief ministers from several states are expected to attend. Officials say thousands of ordinary citizens are also likely to turn up.
Inside the JD-U, the main discussion is about giving Muslims their due share this time. Bihar has a Muslim population of around 18 percent, yet the community has often complained about being pushed aside in government formation. Senior JD-U leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary met Muslim leaders at his official residence on Tuesday to take their views on this issue.
According to the people present in the meeting, one leader said: “Muslims of Bihar want to see real participation, not just lip service. This time the cabinet should show that the government hears our voice.”
Another participant added, “We told the leadership that one minister should come from the upper-caste Muslims and one from the Pasmanda community. Only then will the government look balanced.”
Three Muslim names are being discussed, but two stand out clearly. Former Minority Welfare Minister Jama Khan is widely seen as the strongest claimant. He has once again won from Chainpur, a seat considered dominated by upper-caste Muslims. Many inside the JD-U say he has both experience and a clean record.
A senior party worker said, “Jama Khan Sahab has proved his support base. People trust him, and he works quietly for the poor. He deserves to return to the cabinet.”
The second major name is Legislative Council member Khalid Anwar. Several JD-U insiders believe he may get a ministerial slot this time, especially because he has stayed loyal to the party through political ups and downs.
One Muslim leader close to him said, “Khalid Anwar has always stood with the party. If Nitish ji wants to send a message of trust to Muslims, giving him a ministry will be a strong step.”
Sources say either Jama Khan or Khalid Anwar may be chosen, though there is also talk that both could be included if the party decides to expand minority representation properly.
Another JD-U MLC, Prof Ghulam Gaus, is also being discussed. Some party leaders feel he may be useful in portfolios linked to education or social welfare. A senior JD-U strategist remarked, “If the leadership wants to show wider Muslim participation, then Ghulam Gaus is also a strong option.”
The NDA has secured a huge mandate, winning 202 seats. The BJP bagged 89 seats, while Nitish Kumar’s JD-U took 85. Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) won 19 seats and has now become the third-largest party in the alliance. The Hindustani Awam Morcha won five seats, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha secured four.
Muslim organisations and social groups across Bihar say that such a big victory must come with a fair share for all communities.
In the words of one Muslim activist from Patna, “If the NDA can win because of everyone’s vote, then the cabinet must also look like everyone’s cabinet.”
As Nitish Kumar prepares to take charge once again, all eyes are on whether he will finally give Muslims the place they have long demanded—and long been denied—in Bihar’s corridors of power.
