Patna: A major meeting of Janata Dal (United) [JD (U)] workers took place at the party’s state office on Monday, with National Executive President Sanjay Jha and State President Umesh Kushwaha presiding over the event. The marathon session, which lasted around six hours, gathered all members of the newly formed committee as the party mapped out its strategy for upcoming by-elections and assembly elections.
Addressing the gathering, Jha expressed confidence in the party’s leadership under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He claimed that despite repeated predictions of JD (U)’s decline, Nitish has consistently re-emerged stronger, adopting new political roles. “The political history of the last 20 years strongly verifies this,” Jha said, predicting that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Nitish Kumar, would win even more seats than in 2010. He further emphasised Kumar’s role as the last major socialist leader in the country.
Jha also touched upon the caste census, a topic gaining national attention, crediting Nitish Kumar for initiating the process in Bihar. The Bihar government conducted the caste census and released its findings in a timely manner, and several welfare schemes were subsequently designed based on these results.
Meanwhile, Umesh Kushwaha, the party’s state president, highlighted electoral gains. According to post-Lok Sabha election assembly-wise data, JD (U) has taken the lead in 74 out of 243 assembly seats in Bihar, while the BJP holds 68, LJP (R) 29, and HAM 6. Kushwaha said that this tally of 177 seats contrasts sharply with the 66 seats where the INDIA alliance has gained a lead, asserting that these numbers clearly reflect the will of the people of Bihar.
He urged party workers to prioritise individuals committed to social work in the booth committees, further strengthening JD (U)’s grassroots presence.
