Patna (Gurpreet Singh): Marking a significant moment in Bihar’s political landscape, Nishant Kumar, the son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, officially joined the Janata Dal (United) on Sunday, signalling the start of his public and political career.
The 50-year-old, who has largely remained away from political activity despite being the Chief Minister’s only son, addressed party members after enrolling as a JD(U) worker. Nishant said he intends to contribute actively to the party’s growth and organisational strength. He added that he would work with dedication to uphold the faith placed in him by the party leadership and supporters.
Speaking about his father’s decision to move to the Upper House of Parliament, Nishant said he respects the choice made by the veteran leader and will continue to work under his guidance. Nitish Kumar has filed his nomination for the upcoming elections to the Rajya Sabha, scheduled later this month, and is widely expected to step down as Chief Minister once the transition is completed.
An engineer by qualification, Nishant had previously kept a low public profile for decades, consistent with his father’s long-held stance against promoting family members in politics. However, senior leaders within the Janata Dal (United) have welcomed his decision, describing it as a reflection of the aspirations of party workers who had been urging him to take on a larger role.
His entry has also sparked speculation in political circles about a possible future role in the state government once the leadership reshuffle takes place in the ruling coalition between JD(U) and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Meanwhile, the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal has strongly criticised the developments. Party leaders, including Manoj Kumar Jha, accused the ruling alliance of orchestrating political manoeuvres that could alter Bihar’s leadership structure. They also argued that long-time JD(U) supporters may feel dissatisfied with the unfolding events.
Despite the criticism, JD(U) leaders insist that the party remains united and will continue to function under the guidance of Nitish Kumar while preparing for a new phase in Bihar’s political leadership.
