India, Feb. 26 -- Seven new ministers are expected to take the oath in Nitish Kumar's government on Wednesday, expanding the cabinet just ahead of the Budget session beginning Friday. However, their tenure may last only eight to nine months if elections are held as scheduled in October-November.

"The cabinet expansion was delayed till February due to the chief minister's Pragati Yatra and the NDA Unity Show. The expansion was expected to take place soon after the 'Khadmas' period (considered inauspicious in the Hindu calendar when important decisions are usually postponed), following Tila Sankranti (when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn) on January 14," a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said.

This will be the secon...