Patna: Nishant Kumar is likely to join the Bihar cabinet led by Samrat Choudhary, with reports indicating that he may take the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony scheduled at Gandhi Maidan on Thursday.
Sources within the Janata Dal (United) said the development followed a late-night meeting of senior party leaders at the residence of Nitish Kumar on 7 Circular Road in Patna.
Late-Night Discussions
Party leaders reportedly held extensive discussions regarding the cabinet expansion and finalisation of ministerial names. After the meeting, Nitish Kumar briefly came out of his residence to see off MLAs who had attended the discussions.
Union minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh also arrived in Patna from Delhi ahead of the anticipated cabinet reshuffle.
Reluctance To Enter Politics
Nishant Kumar had previously maintained distance from active politics and was reportedly reluctant to accept any official role within the government.
However, party insiders said senior JD(U) leaders and close associates persuaded him that his entry into the cabinet would be politically significant for both the party and the state.
Speaking after the meeting, JD(U) MLC Sanjay Gandhi said there was broad support within the party for Nishant Kumar’s induction.
Cabinet Expansion On May 7
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to see 27 ministers inducted into the Bihar cabinet.
According to sources, the proposed composition includes 12 ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party, 11 from JD(U), two from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and one each from Hindustani Awam Morcha and the RLMO.
Officials indicated that several cabinet positions may remain vacant for future political adjustments.
Under constitutional provisions, the Bihar cabinet can have a maximum of 36 ministers, including the chief minister.
