Patna: Political activity has intensified in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with growing speculation that Nishant Kumar, son of the chief minister, Nitish Kumar, could be nominated as a candidate of the Janata Dal (United).
Elections are scheduled for five Rajya Sabha seats from the state. Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, a senior JD(U) leader considered close to the chief minister, said on Tuesday that the decision on candidates would be taken solely by Nitish Kumar. He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would win all five seats and said two of them “should go to the JD(U)”.
Responding to questions about Nishant Kumar’s possible entry into politics, Chaudhary said that if he chose to join public life, party leaders would welcome him. He added that a significant section within the JD(U) wanted Nishant to enter active politics, though no official announcement had been made and the party had not finalised its candidates.
His remarks have been widely interpreted in political circles as a signal that discussions are under way within the party.
Shrawon Kumar, a Bihar minister and JD(U) leader, went further, saying Nishant Kumar would “soon enter active politics”. Speaking to the Press Trust of India, he said that the move would fulfil a long-standing demand from many young supporters who had been urging him to take on a political role.
“On the occasion of Holi, I want to inform you that Nishant Kumar’s name has been discussed throughout the state for a long time. He will soon enter active politics,” Shravan Kumar said, adding that he wished him success in his political journey.
Another JD(U) minister, Ashok Choudhary, said the party had for some time believed Nishant should assume an active political role. “He is educated, an engineer, and a true copy of Nitish Kumar. He is entering active politics on the demand of party workers,” Choudhary said, describing the development as a “big Holi gift” for the party.
Despite the flurry of statements, the chief minister has not publicly confirmed any plans regarding his son’s political future. With nominations yet to be finalised, attention remains focused on whether the Rajya Sabha elections will mark Nishant Kumar’s formal entry into politics.
