By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, May 5, 2026: Ahead of the expansion of the Samrat Choudhary government’s cabinet, former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made a surprise and unannounced visit to the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) party headquarters on Tuesday.
Notably, even senior party leaders were unaware of his plans beforehand.
It was only after he left his residence that party members learned about his visit.
Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed by leaders and workers present at the office.
During his visit, Nitish Kumar interacted with party workers and held informal discussions.
Former minister Ashok Choudhary was also present on the occasion.
Nitish Kumar regularly reviews party functioning:
Sanjay Gandhi, a JDU MLC considered close to Nitish Kumar, stated that such visits are not unusual.
He explained that Nitish Kumar often reviews the functioning of the party office and the systems he has established.
“Earlier, he used to visit as the Chief Minister, now he comes as a party leader. We were not informed in advance this time. Whenever he visits, he reviews arrangements and interacts with workers to discuss future strategies,” he said.
High-profile swearing-in ceremony:
A major political event is set to take place in Bihar, as a grand cabinet expansion and swearing-in ceremony of the Samrat Choudhary government is scheduled for May 7 at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
Preparations are currently in full swing, both administratively and politically, for what is expected to be a high-profile gathering.
The May 7 ceremony at Gandhi Maidan is expected to be a VVIP event, with elaborate security arrangements already underway.
According to sources, the ceremony may be attended by PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, and Nitish Kumar, along with several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from different states.
This cabinet expansion holds special significance as it was earlier delayed due to assembly elections in five states.
Now, after the NDA’s victory in three states, preparations have gained momentum.
For the first time in Gandhi Maindan’s history, the swearing-in will be held exclusively for ministers, not the Chief Minister.
In 2025, Nitish Kumar had taken oath as Chief Minister at the same venue, but this time the event will focus solely on inducting ministers.
The event is being seen not just as a cabinet expansion but also as a major show of political strength by the ruling alliance.
With large-scale preparations and high-profile attendance, the ceremony is expected to send a strong political message ahead of upcoming challenges.
EOM.
