Despite 5 MLAs, Party Chooses MLC for Cabinet: Why the Legislators Missed the Chance

Bihar Politics:
In Bihar, only those who are either Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) or Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) can be appointed as ministers. Simply put, an individual must be a legislator from either house to enter the cabinet. Yet, despite one party having five elected MLAs, the ministerial berth this time went to an MLC.

Santosh Suman Takes Oath — Not the MLAs

At the swearing-in ceremony held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, ministers from BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLM took oath along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who assumed office for the 10th time. Among them was Santosh Kumar Suman, who neither contested the 2025 Assembly elections nor became an MLA. He entered the cabinet again as an MLC from Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM).

HAM Won 5 Seats, Yet the Minister is the Party Chief’s Son

Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM won five seats this election:

• Deepa Manjhi (Imamganj) – Manjhi’s daughter-in-law
• Lallan Ram (Kutumba) – defeated Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram
• Jyoti Devi (Barachatti) – Manjhi’s samdhan
• Romit Kumar (Atri)
• Praful Kumar Manjhi (Sikandra)

Despite this strong MLA tally, the party leadership chose MLC Santosh Suman—who also served as a minister in the previous government.

A Clear Push for Political Succession

Political observers say Jitan Ram Manjhi has clearly decided to pass on his political legacy to his son Santosh Suman, also known as Santosh Manjhi. By nominating him once again for the ministerial post, Manjhi has made the succession plan evident.

Interestingly, Deepa Manjhi—daughter-in-law of Jitan Ram Manjhi and wife of Santosh Suman—also won her election this time. Yet, her name too was not sent for ministerial consideration.