Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant to take oath as Bihar minister under Samrat Choudhary government

Nishant Kumar, son of Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar, is likely to join the Bihar cabinet headed by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary during the upcoming cabinet expansion exercise. The development comes weeks after Nitish Kumar moved to the Rajya Sabha, leading to a leadership transition in Bihar. Sources within the party indicated that Nishant Kumar may take oath as a minister during the swearing-in ceremony expected to take place on Thursday.

Nishant Kumar formally entered active politics earlier this year after joining the Janata Dal (United). Following his induction into the party, he began outreach activities under the “Sadbhav Yatra” programme aimed at strengthening the party organisation and interacting with people across communities in Bihar. Party leaders stated that he had initially been reluctant to accept any government position and preferred to gain organisational experience before taking up administrative responsibilities.

According to party sources, senior JD(U) leaders and close associates persuaded Nishant Kumar to join the government, arguing that his inclusion could strengthen the party politically during a period of transition. Earlier, when the new government led by Samrat Choudhary was formed, speculation had emerged regarding Nishant Kumar’s possible induction as Deputy Chief Minister. However, he reportedly declined at the time, after which senior JD(U) leaders Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav were inducted into the cabinet as Deputy Chief Ministers.

Several other younger JD(U) legislators are also being considered for inclusion in the cabinet expansion. Names being discussed within the party include Rahul Ranjan, Navin Kumar Mandal, Chetan Anand, Komal Singh, Rituraj Kumar, Atirek Kumar, Aditya Kumar and Abhishek Anand. The final list of ministers is expected to become clear during the swearing-in ceremony scheduled in Patna.

Preparations for the cabinet expansion are currently underway in Bihar, with senior BJP and JD(U) leaders holding meetings ahead of the event. JD(U) leaders indicated that the party may seek significant representation in the council of ministers under the NDA government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior NDA leaders are expected to attend the ceremony linked to the cabinet expansion and government formation process.