Patna, May 7: The much-awaited expansion of the Bihar Cabinet under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is set to take place on Thursday at Gandhi Maidan in Patna amid heightened security arrangements and major traffic restrictions across the city.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12.10 p.m., during which the Governor will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers. The Cabinet expansion comes nearly a month after veteran leader Nitish Kumar stepped down from the top post, paving the way for senior BJP leader Samrat Choudhary to assume office on April 14.
Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, could also be inducted into the Cabinet, adding further significance to the event.
Several senior NDA leaders have arrived in Patna to attend the ceremony. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President Nitin Nabin are already in the city, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has confirmed his participation.
The Cabinet expansion follows extensive consultations between the state leadership and the NDA high command. Discussions were reportedly held with key alliance leaders, including Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Chirag Paswan to ensure coalition balance within the ruling alliance.
In a significant political gesture, Samrat Choudhary also met Nitish Kumar ahead of the expansion, signalling unity within the NDA.
Meanwhile, the Patna traffic police have issued strict advisories for Thursday. Several major roads, including routes connecting Sheikhpura Mor, the airport, Harding Road, R-Block, and Income Tax Roundabout, will remain closed or restricted during the event.
Passengers travelling to the airport have been advised to use Jagdeo Path and Raja Bazar routes, while those heading to Patna Junction have been asked to approach from the Karbigahiya side.
Security has been intensified across the city in view of the expected presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other VVIP dignitaries.
