Patna: In a move that could trigger significant political turmoil in Bihar, Upendra Kushwaha, supremo of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and a former close confidante of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has publicly advised the CM to step down from the leadership of the Janata Dal (United) (JDU). Kushwaha stated that JD (U) leaders might be hesitant to convey this truth to the Chief Minister, which is why he chose to voice it himself, warning that any delay could lead to “big loss” for the party.
Nitish Kumar currently serves as the national president of JD (U), with Sanjay Jha as the working president.
Birthday Wishes and a Public Plea
Kushwaha conveyed his message via an Instagram post, coinciding with the birthday of Nishant, CM Nitish Kumar’s son. “Information has been received from social media that today is the birthday of Nishant, son of elder brother respected Nitish Kumar ji. On this happy occasion, many happy birthday wishes to JD (U)’s new hope Nishant. May God always keep him healthy and happy,” Kushwaha wrote.
He then transitioned to his crucial advice: “On this occasion, a very humble request to respected Nitish Kumar ji is that understanding the delicacy of time and situation, please accept the truth that now running both the government and the party (together) is not appropriate even for him.”
Warning of “Irreparable Loss”
In an accompanying letter, Kushwaha elaborated on his counsel. He acknowledged Nitish’s extensive experience in governance, stating that the state should continue to benefit from it. However, he stressed the urgency for Nitish to “take a concrete decision in time on the issue of transfer of responsibility of the party (which is now in the opinion of not only me but thousands of workers / leaders of his own party).”
Kushwaha warned of dire consequences for the JD (U) if this advice is not heeded: “This is in the interest of his party and delay in this can cause irreparable loss to the party. Perhaps such a loss that can never be compensated.”
Speaking for the Unheard
Kushwaha added a crucial note, explaining his public intervention: “Whatever I am saying, JD (U) leaders may not be able to say to the Chief Minister and even if some people can say it, then such people would not be able to reach there.”
This public statement, made on his son’s birthday, is particularly significant as opposition leaders like Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Prashant Kishor, and others have already been raising questions about Nitish Kumar’s health and leadership. Kushwaha’s remarks could now provide a potent weapon for Nitish’s political adversaries, potentially intensifying internal and external pressures on the JD (U) leadership.
