Nishant Kumar occupies official deputy CM residence
Nishant Kumar, the son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has moved into the official bungalow that is traditionally designated for the state's deputy chief minister. The development was confirmed by officials on 29 June 2026, sparking political debate in the state.
Bungalow traditionally reserved for deputy CM
The accommodation, located in the Patna VIP enclave, has historically been allotted to the deputy chief minister of Bihar. Currently, the state does not have a deputy chief minister, as the position has been vacant since the last cabinet reshuffle. According to sources in the Bihar government, the allotment was made through the state's estate department following a formal request.
“The bungalow was lying vacant, and the allotment was done as per rules,” a senior official told PTI on condition of anonymity. The official added that Nishant Kumar, who is not an elected representative or a government office holder, was given the residence for security reasons.
Political reactions and questions
The move has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav questioned the decision, saying, “This is a clear misuse of government resources. The bungalow meant for a constitutional post is now being occupied by a private individual.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state spokesperson Nikhil Anand also criticized the move, stating, “The government should clarify the legal basis for this allotment. It sets a wrong precedent.” However, the ruling Janata Dal (United) defended the decision, with party spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan saying, “Security concerns of the chief minister's family are paramount. The allotment is temporary and within the framework of existing guidelines.”
Security justification cited
Government officials have cited security protocols as the primary reason for the allotment. Nishant Kumar has been under police protection due to perceived threats, and the bungalow is located in a high-security zone. “The chief minister’s son has faced security risks in the past, and this arrangement ensures seamless coordination with security agencies,” a police official explained.
However, critics argue that security could have been provided at a different location without occupying a designated official residence. “There are other secure accommodations available. This is about privilege, not security,” said political analyst Dr. Suman Kumar.
No official confirmation from CM's office
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has not issued a formal statement on the matter. When contacted, a CMO spokesperson said, “We have no comment on individual allotments.” Meanwhile, the state’s estate department confirmed that the bungalow is currently allotted to Nishant Kumar on a temporary basis, but refused to disclose the tenure.
This is not the first time a family member of a Bihar CM has occupied a government bungalow. In previous administrations, relatives of chief ministers have been allotted official residences, often citing security reasons.
