Amid speculations around Bihar CM post, Nishant Kumar to join JD(U) on March 8, party confirms

Nishant Kumar

• Nishant Kumar joins JD(U), signaling a generational shift in Bihar.
• Nitish Kumar moves to Rajya Sabha, ending his CM tenure.
• Nishant's political role in JD(U) yet to be clarified.

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Nishant Kumar is set to formally join the Janata Dal (United) on Sunday, March 8, marking a significant political development in Bihar as the family of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepares for a possible generational transition in state politics.

The party confirmed the development on Friday, describing it as a historic moment. Nishant’s entry is particularly notable given Nitish Kumar’s long standing public opposition to dynastic politics. The decision comes at a time when the chief minister’s political trajectory is undergoing a major shift.

Nishant Kumar’s induction is closely linked to his father’s move toward national politics. On Thursday, Nitish Kumar submitted his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, a step widely interpreted as signalling the conclusion of his record-breaking tenure as Bihar’s chief minister.

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said the proposal to bring Nishant into the party emerged during a meeting held at the chief minister’s residence. He said Union Minister and MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan) and MP Sanjay Jha suggested Nishant’s political entry.

"Union Minister Lalan Singh and MP Sanjay Jha suggested that Nishant Kumar should enter the party, and the party enthusiastically welcomed the suggestion. Hence, Nishant Kumar will be joining the party tomorrow. He has given his acceptance to the same and will be conducting a political tour in the state as well," the JD(U) leader said, adding that Nishant’s exact political role had not yet been clarified.

The party leader also stated that there was “no discussion on the formation of a coalition government” during the meeting.

He further noted that party members expressed mixed emotions regarding Nitish Kumar’s decision but extended support for his future political journey.

"Today, a meeting of the party leaders was conducted in the presence of JDU Chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. In the meeting, we all expressed the party's and the people's difficulty and grief over his decision, but since you have decided, the party stands with you as you made the party," he said.

JD(U) MLA Vinay Chaudhary also confirmed Nishant Kumar’s entry into the party but did not elaborate on his expected responsibilities or official position.

"The CM put forth his views while the Cabinet members expressed their concerns. Nitish Kumar said that he will reside in Patna and will continue to oversee and guide the party. We are sad with his decision, but he has our full support. Nishant Kumar will be joining state politics soon. When and how will be made clear," he said.

Several JD(U) leaders, including ministers Ashok Choudhary and Shrawon Kumar, described Nishant’s political entry as a “Holi gift” to party workers who have long demanded a successor from within the family.

Although Nishant Kumar has largely maintained a low public profile while working as a software engineer after graduating from BIT Mesra, political speculation has grown that he could eventually be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister in a future NDA government or assume a senior party role.

For more than two decades, Nitish Kumar built his political identity around opposition to family based politics in Bihar, often using it as a counter narrative against the political legacy of Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Nishant Kumar himself has historically avoided political life, once stating that he had "no interest in politics." However, changing political circumstances, including concerns about leadership continuity within JD(U), appear to have altered the situation.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar, who has filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, assured party members that he would continue guiding political and administrative developments in the state.

"I am going to the Rajya Sabha. There won't be a problem for you all. I will remain in Bihar as well; all work will continue. Work hard for the development of Bihar. I will keep an eye on everything; do not worry," Kumar said.

The 75-year-old leader, who won his fifth election in 2025 as the NDA coalition secured a two-thirds majority in Bihar, also expressed a desire to serve in both houses of the state and national legislatures.

In a personal message announcing his decision, he spoke about his long standing aspiration to be associated with both state and national parliamentary institutions while reiterating his commitment to a “developed Bihar” and offering “cooperation and guidance” to the new government.

(With ANI inputs)