Preparation on for Bihar Cabinet expansion amid Nishant Kumar’s induction buzz

A file image of Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar. | Senior JD(U) leaders held several meetings in Patna, including at the residence of the party’s national working president, Sanjay Jha, leading to speculation over the possible political debut of Nishant Kumar. Later, the leaders also met Nitish Kumar.The Cabinet expansion event scheduled to be held on Thursday (May 7) at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Nitin Nabin and other senior NDA leaders. However, no official confirmation has come out yet on Nishant Kumar’s inclusion.Nishant Kumar is currently on the Sadbhav Yatra (goodwill journey) across the State. He started the campaign from Champaran district on May 3 and will begin the second leg of his yatra from Vaishali on Thursday.He had earlier indicated that he wanted to strengthen the party organisation and showed reluctance to join the Cabinet. However, speculation remains strong inside the party.“If Nishant Kumar joins the Cabinet, it will be like wish fulfillment for all party leaders and workers. We want him to lead us,” said State JD (U) president Umesh Kushwaha. Party leaders, however, kept their fingers crossed, saying, “Nishant Kumar had earlier expressed reluctance to become the Deputy Chief Minister. How can we be sure he would be ready to be inducted into the Cabinet now? Let’s wait till the cabinet expansion ceremony tomorrow. But if he joins the Cabinet, we’ll be happy,” they said.The administration is planning to make the ceremony, scheduled at 12:10 p.m., a showpiece. Party sources told The Hindu the State capital would be decked up with saffron flags, welcome arches, billboards and hoardings. To ensure smooth traffic flow, the district administration has marked specific routes for commuters for the day, especially for those going to Patna railway station and airport.Weather warningMeanwhile, a two-day weather warning by the State Disaster Management Department (DMD) for Patna and other places with red, yellow and orange alerts has cast uncertainty over the event. Hailstorm and rain hit the State capital on Wednesday, leading to waterlogging inside Gandhi Maidan, where preparations are on under waterproof tents and pavilions.“Our topmost priority will be the safe landing of senior leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister,” a senior government officer said. Despite the weather warning, elaborate preparations are in full swing, with the deployment of security personnel and police dogs. Published - May 06, 2026 06:33 pm IST