Patna, May 7 (IANS) Senior JD-U leader and Dhamdaha MLA Leshi Singh created a new political milestone in Bihar politics by taking oath as a minister for the eighth time during the Cabinet expansion of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and several senior NDA leaders.

Leshi Singh is regarded as one of the most influential women leaders in Bihar’s Seemanchal region. Representing the Dhamdaha Assembly constituency for several consecutive terms, she has maintained a strong electoral base and organisational influence within the JD-U.

She entered active politics in 2000 after winning her first Assembly election on a Samata Party ticket. Over the years, she steadily rose through the party ranks and established herself as a prominent political figure in Bihar.

Even after the tragic assassination of her husband, Leshi Singh continued her political journey with determination and eventually built an independent political identity in the state.

Throughout her long political career, Leshi Singh has handled several important departments in the Bihar government, including the Industries Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Disaster Management Department, and the Food and Consumer Protection Department, among others.

Owing to her administrative experience and strong organisational capabilities, she is counted among the senior-most leaders in the JD-U.

In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, she registered a massive victory by defeating RJD candidate Santosh Kushwaha by a margin of more than 55,000 votes.

Political observers believe her continued electoral dominance remains a major pillar of the JD-U’s influence in the Seemanchal region.

Meanwhile, newly inducted minister Nishant Kumar said after taking oath that he would work according to the ideals and principles of his father, former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“I will work under the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and discharge every responsibility entrusted to me by the party leadership with full sincerity. The process of development will continue uninterrupted,” Nishant Kumar said.

His induction into the Cabinet has generated significant political discussion, as it marks his formal entry into active politics after remaining away from electoral affairs for years.

First-time minister Shweta Gupta also expressed gratitude to the party leadership following her induction into the Cabinet.

“I thank former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for expressing confidence in me. I am also grateful to the NDA alliance. Whatever responsibility is assigned to me, I will fulfil it with complete dedication,” she said.

–IANS

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