Nitish Kumar to return as JD(U) chief, faces no challenger

Nitish Kumar first assumed the role in April 2016, succeeding senior leader Sharad Yadav.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is again set to return as the national president of the Janata Dal (United) unopposed, after being the only candidate to file nomination for the post on Thursday.

He had taken over the party leadership from colleague-turned-Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh in December 2023.

He first assumed the role in April 2016, succeeding senior leader Sharad Yadav. He was re-elected in 2019 but stepped down in 2020, making way for RCP Singh.

“Most probably, Nitish will be only person who will file nomination for the post of the national president. As Nitish would be the only candidate for the post, he would be declared ‘elected unopposed’ on March 24, the last date for withdrawal of the candidature,” a senior JD(U) leader told Times of India.

On March 16, 2026, JD(U) announced a fresh election schedule for the post.

“Party’s national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha is likely to accompany Nitish Kumar during his filing of nomination papers. March 22 is the last date of withdrawal of candidates. Nitish Kumar should be formally re-elected on March 27," JD(U) national general secretary Aafaque Ahmad told Indian Express.

The JD(U) recently re-elected its state president Umesh Kushwaha in ongoing organisational polls, signalling continuity of JD(U)’s Luv-Kush (Kurmi-Koeri) social base.

As per the election schedule released by the Janata Dal (United), nominations for the post of national president can be filed until March 22.

“Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on March 23, while March 24 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature. If more than one candidate remains in the fray after withdrawals, polling will be held on March 27,” JD(U) national general secretary Afaque Ahmad Khan told TOI.