Nishant Kumar joins JD(U) in Patna; speculation grows over deputy CM role

Nishant’s political debut comes shortly after Nitish Kumar, one of Bihar’s longest-serving chief ministers, announced his decision to move to the Rajya Sabha.

• Nishant Kumar joins JD(U), marking his entry into active politics
• Speculation grows about Nishant becoming Bihar's deputy CM soon
• Nitish Kumar moves to Rajya Sabha, sparking leadership reshuffle

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Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar, formally joined the Janata Dal (United) on Sunday at the party headquarters in Patna, marking his official entry into active politics.

Nishant joined the party around 1 pm in the presence of senior JD(U) leaders, including working national president Sanjay Kumar Jha and other party functionaries.

The development comes days after Nitish Kumar filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections, signalling a major transition in the state’s political landscape.

Prior to his formal induction, Nishant had met JD(U) MLAs and MLCs at Jha’s residence in Patna on Friday, where he held discussions with party leaders about his future role and political plans. Senior JD(U) leader and Bihar minister Sharvan Kumar was the only cabinet member present during that interaction.

An engineering graduate in his late 40s, Nishant has largely stayed away from active politics so far. On the rare occasions he has appeared in public, he has been noted for his low-key demeanour and humility. During brief interactions with the media, he has also demonstrated familiarity with the development initiatives undertaken by his father’s government.

Nishant’s entry into the JD(U) has triggered speculation that he could soon be elevated to the post of deputy chief minister in the new government expected to be formed after Nitish Kumar steps down from the top post.

JD(U) MLA Hari Narayan Singh, a close aide of the chief minister and representative from the Harnaut constituency in Nalanda district, claimed that a “unanimous” decision had been taken at the party’s legislature meeting to make Nishant deputy CM in the new dispensation.

“At the legislature party meeting held at the chief minister’s residence, a unanimous decision was taken to make Nishant the deputy chief minister in the new government,” Singh told a television channel.

He also said Nishant is likely to be elected to the Bihar Legislative Council next month during the biennial elections to nine seats, which would make him eligible to hold a constitutional position in the state government.

“Since he must become a member of the legislature to hold a constitutional post, he would be elected to the Legislative Council in April. He need not necessarily contest from the seat that falls vacant upon his father’s resignation,” Singh said.

However, he added that the timing of Nishant’s appointment as deputy CM would be decided later by the party’s top leadership.

“It is not clear whether he will become deputy CM immediately when the new government is formed or after some time. That decision will be taken by the leadership,” Singh said.

JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha confirmed that Nishant would formally join the party but refrained from commenting on his potential role in the government.

“Nishant will join the JD(U), though I feel ‘joining’ is not the right word since he has always been associated with the party. It would be better to say that he will now start working actively,” Jha told reporters earlier.

When asked about Nishant’s role in the party or government, Jha said he was ready to take up any responsibility assigned by the leadership.

“The new regime will function under the guidance of Nitish Kumar. Except during Parliament sessions, he will spend most of his time in Bihar,” he said.

Nishant’s political debut comes shortly after Nitish Kumar, one of Bihar’s longest-serving chief ministers, announced his decision to move to the Rajya Sabha. The veteran leader had earlier said he wished to experience working in both Houses of Parliament.

His decision has sparked speculation about a leadership reshuffle within the ruling NDA in Bihar. Political observers believe the chief minister’s post could go to the BJP, the largest party in the alliance, while the JD(U) may seek key positions in the new arrangement.

Currently, the state has two deputy chief ministers from the BJP, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, — with the Home portfolio held by Choudhary.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have accused the BJP of forcing Nitish Kumar out of power.

Former chief minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi claimed that the JD(U) leader was being “driven out of Bihar” by the BJP.

“Nitish Kumar is not resigning voluntarily. He is being pushed out by the BJP,” she alleged.

State Congress media cell chief Rajesh Rathore also criticised the BJP leadership, urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure an “honourable exit” for Nitish Kumar.

Altogether six candidates are contesting the biennial elections to five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar, including one from the RJD. The outcome of the polls and the anticipated government reshuffle are likely to shape the next phase of politics in the state.