Nitish Kumar RS nomination fuels JD(U) leadership transition speculation, son Nishant likely to join party on March 8

Patna: CM Nitish Kumar’s unexpected decision to return to Parliament on Thursday fuelled speculation about a significant leadership transition in his party, the Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), with son Nishant expected to formally join the party on March 8.

Insiders in the JD(U) said some leadership transitions were anticipated within the party, especially after Nitish, while ignoring the advice of his son Nishant Kumar and other close relatives, filed nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections, on Thursday.


Party working president Sanjay Jha is already a member of the Rajya Sabha. With Nitish’s entry into the Rajya Sabha, the JD(U)’s top two leaders would be in the Upper House of Parliament.

“Though Nitish hinted at relinquishing the chief minister’s post, he, so far, did not say anything about quitting the party’s top post. While continuing as a member of the Rajya Sabha, he may pay more attention to organisational work and focus on strengthening the party,” a senior JD(U) leader said.

“If Nitish is given any major assignment in New Delhi, he may bring some changes in the party’s organisational set-up,” said another JD(U) functionary who did not want to be identified.

Sources in the party said Nitish’s son Nishant is expected to formally join the JD(U) on March 8. After this, Nishant’s future role in the party would be decided. Nitish gave the green signal for Nishant joining the party.

Insiders in the party said Nishant may be inducted into the Bihar cabinet, potentially as a deputy CM in the next govt, which most probably would be headed by a BJP leader. Nishant is also expected to take an active role in running the party.

However, any decision about a change in the JD(U) leadership would be taken only after Nitish formally relinquishes the post of the CM and takes oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha, another JD(U) leader said.

“Nishant’s entry into the politics is very necessary. If Nishant does not join politics, it will be very difficult to save the JD(U),” said Anil Kumar, the brother-in-law of JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, who on Tuesday tried to convince him not to file nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls.

“If Nishant does not join the JD(U), it will be ruined because several ‘Ravanas’ are sitting within the organisation to destroy it,” Anil said in a video statement.