Patna: An Iftar gathering hosted by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar at his official residence in Patna on Wednesday evening combined religious observance with political signalling, as his son Nishant Kumar remained prominently present throughout the event.
The gathering was attended by fasting devotees as well as several senior political figures, including both deputy chief ministers, Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with ministers, MLAs and MLCs.
The programme began with prayers, after which those observing the fast broke it. During the event, Nishant Kumar was seen sitting among attendees and speaking with guests, while Nitish Kumar greeted people seated nearby with folded hands.
The arrangements at the residence were marked by tight security. Entry was allowed only through Gate No 13, and visitors were reportedly admitted only on the basis of valid passes. Personal belongings were restricted, and mobile phones and cameras were not permitted inside the venue.
The event came shortly after Nitish Kumar’s return from his Samriddhi Yatra, according to media reports from the venue.
The gathering drew additional attention because of Nishant Kumar’s visible participation. He was seen wearing a traditional skullcap presented to him during the event and remained among attendees for much of the evening.
Some media reports from the venue claimed that political slogans were raised by sections of those present in support of Nishant Kumar. Those reports also suggested that some attendees voiced support for a larger political role for him. PatnaPress could not independently verify the extent or spontaneity of those expressions.
