PATNA: Nishant Kumar, 51, son of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, took oath as a minister in Bihar's cabinet on Thursday, alongside 31 other ministers. "I will work under the guidance of my father and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary," he told NDTV, vowing to uphold the trust placed in him by JD(U) leaders and continue his father's development agenda.

Nishant Kumar's induction comes weeks after Nitish Kumar, Bihar's longest-serving chief minister, resigned to join the Rajya Sabha, triggering speculation about his son's political future. While initial expectations centered on a deputy chief minister's post, Nishant Kumar declined the role, leading to the appointment of Vijay Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav as deputies under the JD(U) quota. Party sources indicated Bijendra Prasad Yadav may step down to accommodate Nishant Kumar in the future.

Nishant Kumar had previously distanced himself from politics, stating in 2017 that he had "no interest" in the field and preferred spiritualism. His entry into the cabinet marks a shift, with JD(U) leaders expressing hope that his presence will strengthen coordination between the government and the party.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at Raj Bhavan, was attended by top JD(U) and BJP leaders. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary administered the oath to the new ministers. The cabinet expansion follows the recent formation of the BJP-JD(U) alliance government in Bihar after Nitish Kumar's return to the NDA fold.

JD(U) leaders have indicated that Nishant Kumar's role in the government will evolve, with party insiders suggesting he may assume a more prominent position in the coming months. The next cabinet meeting is scheduled for Monday, where portfolio allocations are expected to be finalized.