Patna: Posters hailing Nishant Kumar as the “future chief minister” of Bihar have reappeared outside the Janata Dal (United) office in Patna, fuelling renewed speculation over succession as the state awaits clarity on its next leader.
The displays, featuring images of both Nitish Kumar and his son, come at a moment of political uncertainty. The chief minister is expected to take oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 10, after which he may step down from his current role, though no formal announcement has been made.
Slogans printed on the posters present Nishant Kumar as a natural successor, framing him as ready to carry forward his father’s legacy. One message suggests there is little need to consider an alternative candidate, describing him as prepared to fulfil existing commitments associated with Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
This is not the first such campaign. Earlier posters had also described Nishant Kumar as Bihar’s “future CM”, while appealing to Nitish Kumar not to leave office — a sentiment that appears to have shifted as his move to the upper house draws closer.
The renewed push has intensified debate within the ruling alliance. Some leaders within the JD(U), including figures such as Anant Singh and Anand Mohan, have publicly supported the idea of Nishant Kumar taking over. His recent appearance at the party office, where he was formally welcomed, also saw party workers project him as a potential chief ministerial face.
However, the question of succession remains unresolved. The JD(U)’s ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party, is understood to favour Samrat Choudhary for the post. The NDA has yet to announce a consensus candidate, leaving Bihar’s political future uncertain for now.
