File photo of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar. | Photo credit: The Hindu
Ahead of the cabinet expansion of the Samrat Choudhary-led NDA government in Bihar on Thursday (07 May 2026), Patna witnessed intense political activity on Wednesday (06 May 2026) amid speculation that Nishant Kumar, son of former chief minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, could be inducted into the new cabinet.
JD(U) leaders held several meetings in Patna, including at the residence of the party’s national working president Sanjay Jha, leading to speculations about a possible political debut of Nishant Kumar. Later, the leaders also met Nitish Kumar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Nitin Nabin and other senior NDA leaders are expected to attend the cabinet expansion event at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Thursday (May 7). However, no official confirmation of Nishant Kumar’s inclusion has come out yet.
Nishant Kumar is currently on a Sadbhav Yatra (goodwill journey) across the state. He started his campaign from Champaran district on May 3 and will start the second leg of his yatra from Vaishali on Thursday.
He has previously indicated that he wants to strengthen the party organization and has shown reluctance to join the cabinet. However, speculation remains strong within the party.
“If Nishant Kumar joins the cabinet, it will be like fulfilling the wishes of all party leaders and workers. We want him to lead us,” JD (U) state president Umesh Kushwaha said. However, party officials crossed their fingers and said, “Nishant Kumar has earlier expressed his reluctance to become deputy chief minister. How can we be sure that he will be ready to be inducted into the cabinet now? Let’s wait for tomorrow’s cabinet expansion ceremony. But we will be happy if he joins the cabinet,” they said.
The administration plans to turn the ceremony, scheduled for 12:10 p.m., into a showpiece. Party sources told The Hindu that the state capital will be decked with saffron flags, welcome arches, billboards and hoardings. To ensure smooth flow of traffic, the district administration has marked specific routes for commuters for the day, especially for those going to Patna railway station and airport.
Weather warning
Meanwhile, a two-day warning by the State Disaster Management Department (DMD) for Patna and other places with red, yellow and orange alerts has thrown uncertainty over the event. Hail and rain lashed the state capital on Wednesday, leading to waterlogging inside the Gandhi Maidan, where preparations are underway under waterproof tents and pavilions.
“Our top priority will be the safe landing of senior leaders, including the prime minister and the home minister,” a senior government official said. Despite the weather warning, the demanding preparations are in full swing, with security personnel and police dogs deployed.
Published – May 6, 2026 6:33 PM IST
