Patna: The Janata Dal (United) appears to be preparing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, for a larger political role, with party leaders providing him structured political grooming ranging from public speaking and body language to administrative understanding and public engagement.
Sources within the party say that much of this informal training is taking place at the residence of senior JD(U) leader and minister Ashok Choudhary. The effort, according to insiders, is aimed at shaping Nishant’s public image as a composed and effective political leader as the party gradually introduces him into active politics.
Why the Training Began
Nishant Kumar formally joined the JD(U) on March 8, triggering widespread discussion in political circles and on social media. Several photographs and videos from his early appearances attracted commentary about his public presentation, including his clothing, posture and communication style.
Party insiders say this reaction prompted the leadership to intensify preparations to build a strong political persona for him.
A young JD(U) legislator associated with what party members informally call “Team Nishant” said the idea is to help him develop the confidence and communication skills needed to connect with the public and eventually reflect the leadership qualities associated with his father.
According to sources, multiple ministers, senior leaders and younger MLAs are involved in mentoring him.
Body Language and Public Presence
One of the main areas of focus is body language — how he appears in public meetings, interacts with people and conducts himself on stage.
He is being trained in self-presentation, which includes posture, gestures and how to maintain composure while addressing crowds or meeting party workers.
Party strategists are attempting to craft an image that balances simplicity with confidence, reflecting the political style long associated with Nitish Kumar’s governance model.
Advisors have also emphasised the importance of listening more and speaking less while interacting with the public — a trait often seen as essential for leaders who want to appear approachable and grounded.
Communication Skills and Political Messaging
Another major component of the training focuses on public speaking and media communication.
Mentors are reportedly guiding Nishant on how to frame clear and simple messages that resonate with ordinary citizens. Instead of lengthy speeches, he is being encouraged to use concise and impactful statements.
He is also learning how to handle media questions, avoid controversial remarks and maintain a balanced tone even in difficult situations.
The strategy, insiders say, is to shape him into a controlled communicator who can present his views confidently without appearing aggressive.
Party leaders believe this approach mirrors the political style of Nitish Kumar, whose image has largely been built around calm communication and governance-focused politics.
At the same time, Nishant is being encouraged to highlight his father’s governance legacy, including work in infrastructure, education and women’s empowerment, while also presenting himself as a leader capable of offering a fresh vision for younger voters.
Focus on Dress and Personal Style
Another visible aspect of the training involves clothing and personal appearance.
Party mentors have reportedly advised Nishant to move away from loose-fitting outfits and adopt attire that reflects a more polished public image while maintaining simplicity.
Nitish Kumar is widely known for his understated dressing style, usually appearing in light-coloured cotton kurta-pyjamas. Advisors are encouraging Nishant to adopt a similar traditional look that conveys accessibility and humility.
The aim is to create a balance between simplicity and a confident political presence.
Administrative and Governance Training
Apart from political communication, Nishant is also being introduced to the functioning of government departments and administrative processes.
Ashok Choudhary, who has served in multiple ministerial roles, is said to be guiding him on how government decisions are made, how files move within departments and how ministers coordinate with bureaucrats.
Sources say the focus is on helping him understand how governance works so that he can handle responsibilities effectively if he is assigned a public role in the future.
He is also being briefed on decision-making processes, conducting meetings and ensuring that government schemes are implemented on the ground.
Learning Political Etiquette
Party leaders are also emphasising the importance of respecting senior leaders and coalition partners — an important aspect of coalition politics in Bihar.
This was visible during a recent Iftar gathering organised by the Hindustani Awam Morcha. Nishant had initially been seated on a sofa reserved for the Chief Minister. When Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary arrived, Nishant reportedly vacated the seat, allowing him to sit there while he moved to another sofa nearby.
Observers within the party viewed the gesture as a sign of political etiquette and respect for senior leaders.
Who Is Training Nishant
According to sources, the effort to groom Nishant is not limited to Ashok Choudhary. Several experienced JD(U) leaders, strategists and younger MLAs are involved in mentoring him.
Within the party, a group informally referred to as “Team Nishant” is said to be coordinating these efforts. The group reportedly includes around 14 to 20 MLAs.
A meeting held on March 8 at the residence of Islampur MLA Rakesh Ranjan, a close friend of Nishant from their engineering days, reportedly discussed plans to gradually project him as a future political face of the party.
Beyond offering advice, the group is also helping plan his political engagements, outreach programmes and issue-based campaigns.
Growing Political Activity
Since joining the JD(U), Nishant’s political activity has increased noticeably.
On the day he joined the party, the membership process was conducted by JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha, while senior leader and Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) welcomed him by presenting a party scarf.
After joining, Nishant said he would work diligently for the party and continue the development work carried out by his father over the past two decades.
Since then, he has held meetings with party MLAs, interacted with senior leaders including veteran JD(U) leader Vashisht Narayan Singh, and visited his ancestral village Kalyan Bigha, where he received a warm welcome from local residents.
Political observers say these engagements indicate that the party is gradually increasing his visibility in public and organisational activities.
A Carefully Managed Political Entry
Nishant has also been seen playing a prominent role at several recent Iftar gatherings and public meetings, at times appearing in the front row alongside community leaders while Nitish Kumar remained seated behind.
Supporters at some events even raised slogans projecting him as a future chief ministerial face, reflecting growing enthusiasm among sections of the party’s cadre.
However, political analysts caution that grooming alone may not guarantee political success.
Much will depend on how effectively Nishant connects with grassroots workers and voters across Bihar. If he manages to build a calm, educated and balanced political image, he may gain acceptance among urban and younger voters.
At the same time, expectations remain high because of the powerful political legacy of Nitish Kumar.
For the JD(U), the attempt to shape Nishant’s leadership profile appears to be a carefully planned long-term exercise that could eventually determine the party’s next generation of leadership in Bihar.
