Patna: Slogans calling for Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, to become the state’s next chief minister were raised at the party office on October 4, adding to the growing political discussion around his role in the Janata Dal (United).
“Nishant bhaiya jaisa ho” slogans were raised by party workers, according to reports. The development comes weeks after Nishant made his first major public appearance before JD(U) legislators at a party orientation programme in September.
Senior JD(U) leaders have also made statements indicating that they see a larger political role for Nishant.
Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar said, “Nishant Kumar is no less than a Deputy Chief Minister. He is our leader and the future of our party.”
Prohibition Minister Madan Sahni also said that the party would be happy if Nishant had a greater role in both the organisation and the government, adding that it would be “even happier” if he became Deputy Chief Minister.
The statements have intensified speculation over whether JD(U) is gradually positioning Nishant Kumar for a larger leadership role in the party and, potentially, as a future chief ministerial face.
However, JD(U) has not formally announced Nishant Kumar as its chief ministerial candidate for the 2030 Bihar Assembly election. Nishant also does not currently hold a formal organisational post in the party.
Nishant’s political entry after Nitish’s move to Rajya Sabha
Nishant entered active politics in March 2026 and subsequently joined the Bihar government as Health Minister in May. His entry came shortly after Nitish Kumar stepped down as Bihar chief minister in April and moved to the Rajya Sabha.
The NDA government is currently headed by BJP leader Samrat Choudhary.
Since entering politics, Nishant has increasingly appeared at organisational and party programmes, including meetings with JD(U) functionaries and legislators.
His growing visibility has led to speculation within Bihar’s political circles about the role he could play in the party’s future.
From organisational meetings to legislators’ orientation
One of the clearest indications of Nishant’s expanding role came at the JD(U)’s orientation programme for MLAs and MLCs in Patna on September 18.
The programme was formally aimed at familiarising legislators with parliamentary procedures, legislative processes and their responsibilities. However, Nishant shared the stage with Nitish Kumar and addressed party legislators.
It was the first time the father-son duo appeared together at a JD(U) function.
During his address, Nishant urged party legislators to highlight Nitish Kumar’s work in Bihar and asked them to gather feedback from the public and convey people’s concerns to the party leadership.
The appearance was subsequently interpreted by political observers as an indication of Nishant’s growing importance within the party. However, JD(U) leaders have also maintained that there is no immediate organisational change involving Nitish Kumar’s position as national president.
Connecting with the party organisation
Nishant’s political activity has not been limited to appearances alongside senior leaders. His interactions with party functionaries at different organisational levels have also drawn attention.
Meetings involving district and block-level office-bearers provide him an opportunity to interact directly with the party’s organisational network.
For JD(U), which has an organisational structure extending from the state level to districts, blocks and booths, such interactions could help Nishant establish a direct connection with party workers.
At present, however, there is no formal announcement giving him charge of the organisation or assigning him a specific electoral responsibility.
Senior leaders’ remarks add to the succession discussion
The comments by Shravan Kumar and Madan Sahni have added another dimension to the discussion.
Shravan Kumar’s description of Nishant as a party leader and his reference to him in the context of the Deputy Chief Minister’s post are particularly significant because Nishant does not currently hold a major organisational position in JD(U).
Similarly, Sahni’s remarks about Nishant having a role in both the organisation and government indicate support among some senior leaders for expanding his responsibilities.
These statements, along with Nishant’s appearances at organisational meetings and the September orientation programme, have contributed to speculation that JD(U) is preparing him for a more prominent role.
What could Nishant’s next political moves be?
Nishant is expected to undertake programmes in Bihar as part of efforts to connect with party workers and people at the district level.
His activities are also likely to include visits to districts, particularly areas adjoining Uttar Pradesh, while his role as Health Minister could give him an additional platform to engage with the public and government machinery.
A programme in Uttar Pradesh has also been discussed in connection with the upcoming electoral campaign there.
Is JD(U) preparing Nishant for 2030?
The latest developments have led to a broader question in Bihar politics: whether JD(U) is gradually preparing Nishant Kumar as a future political successor to Nitish Kumar.
There are several elements behind the speculation — Nishant’s induction into active politics, his appointment as Health Minister, interactions with party workers, his address to legislators and the public statements of senior JD(U) leaders.
At the same time, there is no formal JD(U) announcement naming Nishant as the party’s chief ministerial face for the 2030 Assembly election.
For now, the political strategy appears to be centred on increasing Nishant’s visibility while keeping Nitish Kumar’s governance record and political legacy at the centre of the party’s messaging.
The emerging formula being discussed within political circles is therefore less about an officially declared succession plan and more about whether Nishant can gradually establish himself within JD(U)’s organisation and among its cadre.
With the CM slogans at the JD(U) office and senior leaders openly discussing a possible Deputy Chief Minister role, the succession debate around Nishant Kumar is likely to remain a significant talking point in Bihar politics.
