nitish-s-son-set-for-bihar-cabinet-entry

Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, is likely to join the Bihar Cabinet during the expansion scheduled for Thursday, sources said on Wednesday.

 

The 45-year-old, who joined the Janata Dal (United) less than two months ago, has reportedly agreed to take up a ministerial role following persuasion from senior party leaders.

 

“Ever since he had joined the party, it has been the wish of cadres that Nishant join the government. He could have been appointed as a deputy chief minister last month, but he was hesitant. Finally, he has agreed,” a source close to both father and son said.

 

Nishant’s entry into active politics came soon after Nitish Kumar stepped down as chief minister upon becoming a Rajya Sabha member, paving the way for a new government led by Samrat Choudhary.

 

Speculation had been rife about his inclusion in the council of ministers when the BJP-led government assumed office. However, Nishant had initially declined, stating that he preferred to gain experience as a party worker before accepting a post.

Also read: Nitish's son Nishant Kumar starts statewide 'Sadbhav Yatra'

 

Subsequently, senior JD(U) leaders Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav were inducted into the Cabinet and designated as deputy chief ministers.

 

The upcoming expansion is expected to see around a dozen JD(U) leaders taking oath. The ceremony is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP president Nitin Nabin.

 

The expansion is being viewed as a significant political moment, marking the BJP’s leadership of the government in Bihar.

 

Earlier, JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha had indicated that the party would seek up to 16 berths in the Cabinet, which can have a maximum strength of 30 in the 243-member Assembly.

 

Among those likely to be inducted from the JD(U) quota are Ashok Choudhary, Shrawan Kumar, and Leshi Singh, all of whom were ministers in the previous Nitish Kumar government.

 

Apart from JD(U) and BJP, the Cabinet may also include representatives from other NDA allies, including parties led by Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha.