In a major political development in Bihar, Nishant Kumar was on Thursday sworn in as a minister during the expansion of the NDA government in the state. The induction of Nishant, son of veteran JD(U) leader and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, marks his formal entry into active politics and is being viewed as a significant moment for the Janata Dal (United).
Along with Nishant Kumar, 31 other leaders from different NDA allies took oath as ministers. Among them, 15 ministers belong to the BJP, 13 to the JD(U), two to Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and one each from Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain at a grand ceremony attended by top NDA leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP national president Nitin Nabin and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar were present during the event.
Several senior NDA leaders, including Union Ministers Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Lalan Singh, as well as RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, also attended the swearing-in ceremony.
The NDA had returned to power in Bihar after registering a massive victory in the 2025 Assembly elections, securing 202 seats in the 243-member Assembly. The BJP and JD(U) together won 174 seats, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. Nitish Kumar was initially sworn in as Chief Minister after the elections, but later resigned to take up a role in the Rajya Sabha.
Following his resignation, JD(U) workers had increasingly demanded a larger political role for Nishant Kumar. Though initially reluctant to join the government, Nishant eventually agreed to take up ministerial responsibility after months of internal discussions within the party. Political observers believe his induction signals a possible generational transition within the JD(U).
Several prominent BJP leaders were also inducted into the cabinet, including Vijay Kumar Sinha, Ram Kripal Yadav, Nitish Mishra and shooter-turned-politician Shreyasi Singh.
From the JD(U), senior leaders such as Shrawon Kumar, Ashok Chaudhary, Leshi Singh and Madan Sahni also took oath.
The inclusion of leaders from various castes, regions and alliance partners reflects the NDA’s strategy to maintain a broad social and political balance in Bihar ahead of future electoral battles. Analysts believe Nishant Kumar’s induction could play a crucial role in shaping the future leadership of the JD(U) in the post-Nitish Kumar era.
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