Patna: Supporters of Nitish Kumar staged protests outside the office of Janata Dal (United) in Patna after the Bihar chief minister formally filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, a move that has triggered strong reactions within the party and intensified political activity in the state.
Hundreds of party workers gathered at the JD(U) state headquarters on Veerchand Patel Path in Patna, raising emotional slogans and urging the veteran leader to reconsider his decision. Many supporters expressed anger and disappointment, arguing that Kumar’s presence remains crucial to the party’s future in Bihar politics.
Witnesses said demonstrations continued through the day, with workers chanting slogans such as “Nitish Kumar belongs to Bihar” and “We will not let him go”. Some protesters also vandalised parts of the party office premises, highlighting growing unrest among the cadre.
Political reactions to the development have been sharply divided. Leaders within JD(U) described Kumar’s move as a strategic decision, while opposition parties claimed it reflected a broader political plan by the Bharatiya Janata Party to weaken JD(U)’s influence in the state.
Adding to the tension, posters appeared outside the JD(U) office appealing to the chief minister to rethink his decision. One of the posters read: “Nitish’s workers are calling out — the leader should reconsider the decision. Violation of the people’s mandate and self-respect in a democracy will no longer be tolerated.”
Amid the growing discontent, Kumar has called a meeting of JD(U) MPs, MLAs and MLCs at the chief minister’s residence on Friday evening. Senior party leaders are expected to attend the meeting, where the political implications of the Rajya Sabha move and the party’s future strategy are likely to be discussed.
According to party sources, the meeting may also address leadership arrangements in Bihar if Kumar steps away from state-level responsibilities. Speculation has also grown about a possible role for his son, Nishant Kumar, though no official announcement has been made.
The controversy escalated further when some protesters reportedly blackened a poster featuring Narendra Modi during the demonstrations. Senior JD(U) leaders have since been working to contain the situation as discussions within the party continue.
With tensions rising among workers and uncertainty about the party’s future leadership, attention is now focused on the outcome of the meeting scheduled later on Friday.
