Patna: Nitish Kumar made an unannounced visit to the Janata Dal (United) headquarters in Patna on Tuesday, catching party leaders off guard just days before a planned cabinet expansion in the state.
The surprise visit came ahead of a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 7 at Gandhi Maidan, where preparations are under way for what is expected to be a high-profile political event. Party officials said they were informed of Kumar’s arrival only after he had already left his residence for the office.
Leaders and workers gathered quickly to receive him on arrival. During the visit, Kumar interacted with party members and held informal discussions. Ashok Chaudhary, a former minister, was also present.
Sanjay Gandhi, a member of the state legislative council and a close associate of Kumar, said the chief minister visits the party office frequently but without prior notice on this occasion. “Even we were unaware of his arrival,” he said, adding that Kumar often reviews organisational arrangements at the office and engages with workers on party strategy.
The upcoming ceremony at Gandhi Maidan is expected to draw several senior leaders from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Among those likely to attend are the prime minister, Narendra Modi, the home minister, Amit Shah, and other senior figures from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chief ministers from multiple states and union ministers are also expected to be present.
The cabinet expansion had previously been delayed due to assembly elections in five states. With the NDA securing victories in three of them, party leaders are positioning the event as a demonstration of political strength.
In a departure from precedent, the ceremony will involve only the swearing-in of ministers, rather than the chief minister. While Kumar himself took oath at the same venue in 2025, officials say this will be the first time Gandhi Maidan hosts a swearing-in ceremony exclusively for ministers, underscoring its political significance.
