Bihar Cabinet Expansion: NDA Leaders Welcome Possibility of Nishant Kumar’s Entry into Government

Patna, May 6: As Bihar gears up for a major Cabinet expansion on May 7, political activity within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has intensified, with several senior leaders welcoming reports that Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) supremo and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, may be inducted into the state Cabinet.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, reacting to the speculation, said he would support the decision if Nishant Kumar is included in the ministry. Speaking to reporters, Manjhi stressed that such decisions fall within the prerogative of the Chief Minister and the JD(U) leadership. Responding to allegations of dynasty politics, he pointed out that several members of the Lalu Prasad Yadav family have held positions as MLAs and ministers in the past, arguing that political lineage is not a new phenomenon in Bihar.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also welcomed the possibility, stating that any government focused on development requires a strong and capable team. He said it would be a positive step if Nishant Kumar joins the Cabinet, while emphasising that the final decision rests with Nitish Kumar and his party. Singh added that the expansion should strengthen governance and accelerate development work in the state.

JD(U) leader Sanjay Gandhi noted that there is broad support within political circles for Nishant Kumar’s inclusion. However, he also clarified that Nishant himself has expressed a preference, at least for now, to focus on organisational responsibilities within the party rather than taking up a ministerial role. Despite this, he said that if the opportunity arises, the entire NDA would welcome his participation in the Cabinet.

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan said the NDA had received a strong mandate from the people of Bihar, and the upcoming Cabinet expansion is part of the government’s effort to express gratitude to voters. He said the new team would work towards carrying forward the development agenda and strengthening the legacy of Nitish Kumar’s governance.

From the LJP (Ram Vilas) camp, MP Arun Bharti said that Cabinet decisions rest entirely with the Chief Minister and party leadership. He added that all alliance partners would respect whatever decision is taken by Chirag Paswan and the leadership. Bharti urged restraint on speculation, saying that clarity would emerge once the expansion is formally announced.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Tariq Anwar also extended his best wishes to Nishant Kumar amid the discussions surrounding his possible induction. He stated that the decision lies with Nishant and the JD(U), and wished him well in his political journey.

At present, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has already been sworn in along with Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav. The upcoming Cabinet expansion is expected to complete the formation of the new government.

According to sources, the expansion will focus on maintaining caste balance, regional representation, and a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces from NDA allies, including JD(U), BJP, LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM(S), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The final list of ministers is expected to reflect both political strategy and administrative priorities ahead of the government’s next phase.