Patna: A day after Holi celebrations, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was back on the streets of Patna, making a series of surprise visits to ministers and top bureaucrats. His early-morning outings on Sunday set political circles abuzz, with speculation rife over the intent behind his personal outreach.
The Chief Minister’s convoy first departed from his official residence at 1, Anne Marg, heading straight to the home of Cabinet Minister Ashok Choudhary. Nitish extended Holi greetings to Choudhary’s family before moving on to the residence of Deepak Kumar, the Chief Minister’s principal secretary. Similar festive exchanges took place at the home of Bashishtha Narayan Singh, a senior leader and former Rajya Sabha MP, where Nitish enquired about his well-being.
The goodwill tour continued with visits to senior minister Vijendra Yadav and Minister Vijay Choudhary, with CM Nitish spending time at each residence. Over several hours, the Chief Minister personally greeted his ministers and officials, an unusual move that has led to a flurry of political interpretations.
While the official explanation remains a post-Holi courtesy call, observers believe Kumar’s visits were more than just seasonal pleasantries. His personal engagement with ministers and bureaucrats is being seen as a strategic gesture, particularly amid Bihar’s shifting political landscape.
