Nishant Kumar is expected to join the Bihar state cabinet during a scheduled expansion event on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to attend the oath-taking ceremony in Patna. Sources within the ruling Janata Dal (United) confirmed that Kumar, who had previously declined government office, has now agreed to assume a ministerial role.

Kumar's decision follows a 20-day 'Sadbhav Yatra' across the Champaran region, where public demands for administrative action, including the establishment of a university in Bettiah, underscored the limitations of influence without formal authority. Senior JD(U) leaders advised that only through government membership could he effectively address such issues, reinforcing the party's stance on merging organisational and executive leadership.

The move is seen as a strategic step to maintain coordination between the party and government post-Nitish Kumar, especially amid emerging rivalries within the Kurmi community. While Shrawan Kumar and Harinarayan Singh have competed for influence, Nishant Kumar's elevation aims to consolidate unity, preserving the JD(U)'s social coalition among Extremely Backward Classes and Mahadalits.

Although earlier speculation suggested Kumar could be named deputy chief minister, the position will remain with Vijay Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav under the JD(U) quota for now. Party sources indicate that Yadav may step down if a formal reshuffle occurs later to accommodate Kumar in a higher role.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place in Patna tomorrow in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, with the full list of inductees to be officially announced by the Chief Minister's Office ahead of the event.