Patna: Twelve days after stepping down as Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar returned to the Janata Dal (United) headquarters in Patna, where party workers greeted him with applause and songs in his honour during a function marking Bhamashah Jayanti.
Kumar, who led the state for multiple terms, appeared at ease as he acknowledged supporters and joined in clapping along to a song dedicated to him. He also encouraged other leaders seated on the stage to participate, in a moment that underscored his continued influence within the party despite his recent resignation.
Confusion, however, appeared to linger over his formal status. A pamphlet circulated among party workers at the event referred to Kumar as the sitting chief minister of Bihar. Vijay Choudhary, speaking to reporters on the sidelines, also addressed him using the same title.
The pamphlet highlighted five core messages attributed to Kumar, focusing on governance and public service. Among them were assertions that his work “speaks for itself”, that politics should be rooted in service rather than personal gain, and a reiteration of his long-standing slogan of “development with justice”. It also included an appeal for commitment in public life and an ambition to elevate Bihar to a position of enduring strength.
Senior figures from the state government and the party attended the event, including deputy chief ministers Bijendra Yadav and Choudhary, along with JD(U) legislative party leader Shrawon Kumar. Other leaders present included Maheshwar Hazari, Sanjay Singh and Ashok Chaudhary.
Choudhary said Kumar’s presence at such gatherings helped boost the morale of party workers. He also indicated that a long-anticipated expansion of the Bihar cabinet would take place “very soon”, though no timeline was specified.
The event was organised to commemorate Bhamashah, a historical figure often associated with philanthropy and sacrifice. Party leaders used the occasion to emphasise themes of social harmony and public service, saying his life remained a source of inspiration for younger generations.
Later in the day, Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, also visited the party office, where he was presented with a silver crown by party workers. Supporters raised slogans projecting him as a potential future chief minister, though he arrived after Kumar had left the venue.
