Nishant Kumar
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Speculation that had been gaining momentum over the past few months appears to be drawing to a close, as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar is set to enter active politics in Bihar. Indications of this became clear after it was announced that Nishant Kumar will formally join the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) on Saturday.
The announcement was made during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence, where a major declaration regarding Nishant was made. Several legislators and ministers reportedly demanded that the party’s leadership be handed over to him. JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Jha stated that Nishant would take the party’s membership on Saturday and would subsequently embark on a statewide tour across Bihar. “The entire party stands with Nishant,” Jha said, adding that the decision was welcomed unanimously by legislators and ministers. Party leaders described the development as the beginning of a new “Nishant era” in the JD(U).
The meeting was also addressed by senior leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alia Lalan Singh, who sought to demonstrate that the party fully supports Nitish Kumar’s decisions. Leaders emphasised that whatever course the Chief Minister takes in the future, the party would stand firmly behind him.
Following the meeting, JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said all party legislators and MPs had welcomed Nishant’s entry into politics and expressed their support for the Chief Minister’s decision.
Senior leaders at the meeting said Nishant Kumar’s active participation in politics would help take the party forward, calling it a “masterstroke”. Nishant is expected to undertake a statewide tour after formally joining the party and work on strategies to strengthen and unify the organisation. He had already given his consent to enter politics, leaders added.
Meanwhile, Umesh Kushwaha has been re-elected unopposed as the JD(U) state president. With Nishant set to take party membership on Saturday, attention is now turning to the forthcoming election for the party’s national president. According to discussions within party circles, Nishant Kumar could be made the national president, effectively placing the party’s leadership in his hands.
Sources said Nishant would soon prepare a detailed programme for touring Bihar and would focus on strengthening the party and maintaining unity within its ranks.
The development comes after Nitish Kumar informed MLAs, MLCs and MPs at the meeting that he would be moving to the Rajya Sabha following his nomination. Assuring party members, the Chief Minister said there was no need for concern and that no one would face difficulties due to his decision. He urged leaders to continue working for Bihar’s development as before.
According to those present, several legislators became emotional during the meeting, with some seen in tears while expressing their support for the Chief Minister’s decision.
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