Patna: The state government has made former chief secretary Anjani Singh an advisor to chief minister Nitish Kumar. The cabinet secretariat notification - giving Singh the rank of a minister - came on Friday, a day after he retired as chief secretary.

Singh was to retire in February this year but was given a three-month extension with the consent of the Centre.

His elevation does not come as a surprise as bureaucratic circles were abuzz with indications that Singh would be offered the post after Deepak Kumar succeeds him as chief secretary.

Nitish's earlier advisors have included Mangala Rai for agriculture and Pavan Verma for art and culture. Poll strategist Prashant Kishor was also made advisor - a post which Kishor quit later - after the 2015 Assembly elections.

"The elevation of Anjani is different as it sends a message that he will continue to be the most powerful man and every official will be at his call," said a senior IAS officer. "Advisors are not statutory posts. They remain at the whims of their political masters."