Nishant Kumar in a meeting with JD(U) leaders in Patna on March 7
By Neeraj KumarÂ
Patna: Bihar politics witnessed a significant turning point on Saturday as Nishant Kumar, son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, appeared to step into an active political role for the first time.
On Saturday morning, Nishant Kumar visited the residence of Sanjay Jha, the national working president of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)). Before formally entering the party, he held an important meeting with several young MLAs and senior party leaders.
Nishant, who has largely stayed away from the political spotlight until now, appeared confident and active during the discussions. The meeting at Sanjay Jha’s residence was attended by several prominent JD(U) leaders and a large number of young legislators. Among those present were JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha, MLC Sanjay Gandhi, party leader Lalan Sarraf and senior leader and minister Shravan Kumar. Young faces, including MLA Chetan Anand, also participated in the meeting.
According to sources, Nishant Kumar may formally join JD(U) on March 8. A special programme is likely to be organised in Patna where he could be granted primary membership of the party. Party workers and leaders from various districts of the state are expected to attend the event, which is being seen as an important political development for both the party and Bihar.
Nishant Kumar’s entry into the party comes at a time when his father, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has recently filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha. Nitish Kumar had earlier expressed his wish to move to the Upper House through a social media post. On March 5, he filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Since then, discussions over future leadership within JD(U) have intensified. Political observers believe the party may gradually pass its leadership to the next generation and move forward with a stronger emphasis on young leaders.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over who will become the next Chief Minister of Bihar if Nitish Kumar moves to the Rajya Sabha. Some political circles suggest that Nishant Kumar could be made Deputy Chief Minister. Sources indicate that there may be only one Deputy Chief Minister. Senior JD(U) leaders, however, maintain that Nitish Kumar himself will decide and endorse the name of the next Chief Minister.
For now, the political landscape remains uncertain, but the ongoing Rajya Sabha election is widely seen as a moment that could usher in major changes in Bihar’s politics.
About the Author
