Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, will join the Janata Dal (United) on March 8, marking a significant change in Bihar’s political dynamics. This decision comes as Nitish prepares to transition to the Rajya Sabha.
Photo : PTI
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sought to reassure the Janata Dal (United) workers after his nomination to the Rajya Sabha sparked speculation about his future as Chief Minister. Addressing party concerns following protests outside the JDU office, Kumar reassured leaders that he will continue to guide the party. At the same time, in a significant shift from his long-held opposition to dynastic politics, Kumar has given the green light for his son Nishant Kumar to formally enter politics, with the JDU confirming he will join the party on Sunday, March 8.
According to JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar, during the meeting at the CM’s house, Union Minister and MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan) and MP Sanjay Jha made the suggestion to bring Nishant into state politics and said that he will be taking the party membership tomorrow.
“Union Minister Lalan Singh and MP Sanjay Jha suggested that Nishant Kumar should enter the party, and the party enthusiastically welcomed the suggestion. Hence, Nishant Kumar will be joining the party tomorrow. He has given his acceptance to the same and will be conducting a political tour in the state as well,” the JD(U) leader said without clarifying further on Nishant’s role in the state politics amid the shift in government following the CM’s decision, PTI reported.
He further said that “no discussion on the formation of a coalition government was done during the meeting.” He also said that the party leaders expressed disappointment towards Nitish Kumar’s decision but extended support for his new political journey.
“Today, a meeting of the party leaders was conducted in the presence of JDU Chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. In the meeting, we all expressed the party’s and the people’s difficulty and grief over his decision, but since you have decided, the party stands with you as you made the party,” he said.
“They are in pain and this was conveyed to the CM at today’s meeting. He said – main hoon na,” JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said.
Nitish Kumar to continue guiding the party
Additionally, JD(U) MLA Vinay Chaudhary also confirmed Nishant Kumar’s joining of the party, without confirming his role and the date of joining.
“The CM put forth his views while the Cabinet members expressed their concerns. Nitish Kumar said that he will reside in Patna and will continue to oversee and guide the party. We are sad with his decision, but he has our full support. Nishant Kumar will be joining state politics soon. When and how will be made clear,” he said.
JD(U) leaders, including Minister Ashok Choudhary and Shrawon Kumar, have described Nishant’s entry as a “Holi gift” to party workers who have long demanded a successor from within the family to maintain the party’s core support base.
