Kamal Ghorui
JD(U) workers pitch Nishant Kumar as ‘future CM’ in Bihar after Nitish’s exit
NEW DELHI: Posters put up by Janata Dal (United) workers across Patna on Sunday calling for Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar, to be the “future Chief Minister of Bihar” have stirred fresh political chatter in the state following the veteran leader’s move to the Rajya Sabha.The posters, put up early morning by “Nitish sevaks”, urged Nishant Kumar to step into active politics, describing him as a “youth leader” and calling on him to “come out of the shadows.” “We do not need a bulldozer, nor riots-unrest in Bihar. We need young jansevak… it is time for him to come out of the shadow,” the posters read.
While there is speculation that Nishant Kumar could take up the role of deputy Chief Minister, no official announcement has been made so far.
Political vacuum and shifting power dynamics
Nitish Kumar’s transition to the Rajya Sabha marks a significant shift in Bihar’s political landscape. He took oath as an MP on April 10, fulfilling his long-held goal of serving in every legislative house in India. He also resigned from the Bihar Legislative Council, effectively paving the way for a new leadership structure in the state.This move is seen as handing greater control of the state government to the BJP within the NDA alliance, signalling a structural shift ahead of upcoming political contests.Reacting to the poster campaign, Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh dismissed the speculation, saying, “Putting up posters doesn’t make someone Chief Minister… now that he has gone, who is left in his party to play,” as per news agency ANI.
JD(U) insists Nitish remains guiding force
Despite stepping down as Chief Minister, JD(U) leaders have maintained that Nitish Kumar continues to play a central role in Bihar’s governance. Party working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said the government would function under Nitish’s guidance and continue his policies.Highlighting his legacy, Jha said the party was built through “honesty and sacrifice” and stressed that Nitish Kumar’s influence remains intact among the people of Bihar.The developments come at a time when Bihar politics is entering a new phase, with leadership questions emerging even as the NDA seeks to maintain stability in the state.
