Patna: Bihar politics has entered a new phase after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar was officially cleared to enter active politics, ending months of speculation about his future role in the Janata Dal (United). The announcement came after a meeting of JD(U) MPs and MLAs at the Chief Minister’s residence on March 6, where the party’s National Working President Sanjay Jha confirmed that Nishant Kumar would soon begin a statewide tour and take an active role in politics.
The development comes at a time when Nitish Kumar, who has dominated Bihar politics for nearly two decades, has reportedly decided to move to the Rajya Sabha, sparking discussions about succession within the party and the future leadership of JD(U).
Nishant Kumar’s Entry into Politics Confirmed
For more than a year, speculation had been growing about Nishant Kumar’s possible entry into politics. The rumours intensified in recent months as he began appearing more frequently in public and interacting with the media.
On the occasion of Holi, Nitish Kumar gave his approval for his son’s political entry. Following the meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence, Sanjay Jha formally announced that Nishant would soon start touring Bihar and engage with party workers and the public.
Party insiders say the move is part of a larger political transition within JD(U), which has been grappling with questions about leadership after Nitish Kumar.
How Nitish Kumar Gradually Prepared the Ground
Political observers believe the groundwork for Nishant Kumar’s entry was laid gradually over the past decade. Several senior leaders who were once considered potential successors were sidelined or left the party.
JD(U) was formed in 2003 by George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. George Fernandes was the first national president of the party, but after Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister in 2005, he removed Fernandes from the post in 2006 and replaced him with Sharad Yadav.
Over time, Sharad Yadav’s influence within the party declined, and in 2016 Nitish Kumar took control of the party leadership himself. Sharad Yadav eventually left the party in 2018 after differences.
Other second-line leaders who were once seen as influential figures also drifted away from Nitish Kumar.
RCP Singh, a former IAS officer and once considered one of Nitish Kumar’s closest aides, became JD(U) national president in 2020 but later fell out with the Chief Minister and left the party. Political strategist Prashant Kishor, who had also been seen as a possible future face of JD(U), eventually parted ways with Nitish.
Similarly, Upendra Kushwaha, a prominent leader from the Koeri community and once close to Nitish Kumar, left the party and formed his own political outfit.
Former IAS officer Manish Verma, who belongs to the same Kurmi community as Nitish Kumar, also emerged briefly as a possible successor but his political outreach programme across the state was halted midway.
Nishant Became More Visible in Media
After staying away from politics and the media for many years, Nishant Kumar began appearing in public from January 2025.
On January 17, 2025, during an event in Bakhtiyarpur, he appealed to people to support his father and JD(U) in elections, praising Nitish Kumar’s work in Bihar.
Although he did not confirm his political entry at that time, Nishant occasionally made statements that drew media attention. At one point he also suggested that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should declare Nitish Kumar as the chief ministerial face of the NDA in Bihar.
Nishant remained visible during political developments and public events throughout the year. On March 1, during Nitish Kumar’s birthday celebrations, he visited a temple in Patna and was seen participating in rituals and meeting supporters.
Election Results Strengthened Demand for His Entry
Within JD(U), there had been divided opinions about Nishant Kumar entering politics before the Assembly elections. However, after the party secured a strong victory by winning 85 out of 101 seats, the mood within the party reportedly shifted.
Many leaders began openly expressing their desire to see Nishant Kumar take an active role in the organisation.
Sanjay Jha’s public statements reflected this shift. On December 5, he said that party workers and supporters wanted Nishant to play an active role in JD(U). Earlier, in September, he had dismissed the possibility of Nishant entering politics immediately.
What Nishant’s Entry Means for JD(U)
Nishant Kumar’s entry into politics carries significant implications for both Nitish Kumar and the future of JD(U).
First, it signals the possibility that Nitish Kumar may gradually step back from active politics. The veteran leader has entered his 76th year and there have been recurring discussions about his health and political future.
Sources say Nitish Kumar was initially reluctant to bring his son into politics but agreed due to changing circumstances within the party.
Second, Nishant’s entry provides JD(U) with a potential long-term leader after Nitish Kumar. Currently, the party’s prominent leaders include Lalan Singh, Sanjay Jha, Vijay Chaudhary and Ashok Chaudhary, but none of them fully fit the social and political equations that have sustained Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
Many in the party believe Nishant Kumar could become the natural political heir and ensure continuity of the organisation.
Emotional Meeting at Chief Minister’s Residence
Meanwhile, political developments intensified after reports emerged that Nitish Kumar may resign between March 10 and 14 following his nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
During the meeting with JD(U) MLAs and ministers at the Chief Minister’s residence, several legislators reportedly opposed his decision to move to the Rajya Sabha.
According to JD(U) MLA Vinay Chaudhary, Nitish Kumar became emotional during the meeting and asked legislators not to oppose his decision.
Chaudhary said some MLAs were moved to tears and urged him to reconsider. However, Nitish Kumar reportedly insisted on his decision and told them he would continue to monitor Bihar’s political developments even from the Rajya Sabha.
During the meeting, leaders also agreed that Nishant Kumar should formally join JD(U), with March 8 being discussed as a possible date for his induction into the party.
Reactions Within Party and Opposition
Senior JD(U) leader and Union Minister Lalan Singh said the decision on Bihar’s next Chief Minister would ultimately be taken by Nitish Kumar.
At the same time, protests have erupted among some JD(U) workers following the announcement of Nitish Kumar’s Rajya Sabha nomination. Demonstrations were held outside the party office in Patna, with some workers alleging political pressure behind the decision.
Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the developments, claiming that the BJP was implementing a “Maharashtra model” in Bihar and had forced Nitish Kumar to step down.
In a social media post, Nitish Kumar said he had long wanted to serve as a member of both Houses of Parliament along with both Houses of the Bihar legislature during his political career. He added that he would continue to support the new government in Bihar.
As Bihar enters another political transition, Nishant Kumar’s formal entry into politics could reshape the future of JD(U) and influence the state’s leadership dynamics in the coming years.
