JD(U) leader Nishant Kumar undertakes Sadbhav Yatra across Bihar from Patna on May 3, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By Alok Mohit
Patna: Janata Dal (United) leader Nishant Kumar on Sunday launched his statewide ‘Sadbhav Yatra’, marking his first major public outreach campaign and signalling a more active role in Bihar politics.
The 45-year-old son of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar left for West Champaran from the JD(U) headquarters in Patna after seeking his father’s blessings at his Circular Road residence. Earlier in the day, he offered prayers at a Hanuman temple in Rajvanshi Nagar before setting out in the flower-decked ‘Nischay Rath’ earlier used by Nitish Kumar during his own statewide campaigns.
The launch of Nishant’s first political journey drew enthusiastic crowds along the route, with supporters greeting the convoy with conches, trumpets and flower showers as it passed through Hajipur, Muzaffarpur and other towns on the way to West Champaran. In some places, party workers used JCB machines and bulldozers to shower petals on the procession.
Speaking before the start of the tour, Nishant Kumar said the yatra was aimed at promoting harmony and reaching out to people across communities communities. “Sadbhav stands for trust, goodwill and togetherness. Through this journey, I want to connect with people and listen to their concerns,” he said.
Referring to the historical importance of Champaran, Nishant Kumar said Mahatma Gandhi had launched his Satyagraha movement from the region in 1917. He also noted that Nitish Kumar had begun several of his political yatras from the same region.
“I will meet party workers, interact with local people, hear their concerns and gather feedback on strengthening the organisation,” he said.
The first major halt of the yatra is in Bettiah, while a jungle safari programme has also been scheduled in Valmiki Nagar on Monday.
Senior JD(U) leaders accompanying Nishant Kumar described the campaign as an attempt to energise grassroots workers at a time when the party is adjusting to a changed political landscape following Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha and the formation of the BJP-led NDA government under Samrat Choudhary.
Deputy chief minister and senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said Nishant Kumar had the full backing of the party and that workers were eager to see him take on a larger public role.
“There is excitement among party workers as well as curiosity among the public. People want Nishant Kumar to become more active,” he said.
The JD(U) has also started promoting the slogan “Jai Nishant, tay Nishant” through posters and social media as part of efforts to introduce him to a wider audience.
Leaders from the BJP also welcomed the development. Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said Nishant Kumar was following in his father’s footsteps and wished him success in the campaign.
Senior BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav said the outreach programme could help strengthen the JD(U) organisation and bring more young people into politics.
Later in the day, as the convoy reached Sakri-Saraiya in Muzaffarpur, Nishant Kumar said on social media that he was overwhelmed by the response from supporters.
“The affection and encouragement from people during the yatra have been truly heartening. I am grateful for the support being extended throughout the journey,” he wrote on social media platform ‘X’.
About the Author
Alok Mohit is a senior journalist based in Patna with decades of experience in mainstream journalism. He has previously served as Senior News Editor at Hindustan Times, Patna, and later at Hindustan Times, Chandigarh, where he played a key role in shaping news coverage and editorial direction. Known for his in-depth understanding of socio-political issues and strong editorial judgement, he continues to contribute insightful analysis and reporting on matters of public interest.
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