Party eager for Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant to join politics, says JDU’s Sanjay Kumar Jha

In recent months, Nishant has become more publicly visible, often praising his father’s administration.

Speculation over a political role for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, intensified on Friday after JDU working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said party workers and supporters are eager for him to enter politics.

Speaking at Patna airport on Friday, Jha remarked that the decision ultimately lies with Nishant, a 49-year-old engineer.

“Party workers and well-wishers want Nishant to join the party and contribute,” Jha said in Nishant’s presence, while interacting with reporters. “It is entirely his choice when he wants to step into active politics," he added.

VIDEO | Patna: "Everyone in JDU wants Nitish Kumar's son Nishant to come forward and work for party, but decision lies with him", says JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha (@SanjayJhaBihar).#JDU#Bihar (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/VXNL1kWGv8

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 5, 2025

Nishant, however, refrained from commenting.

Nitish Kumar, one of India’s longest-serving chief ministers, has maintained a cautious silence on succession matters, even as concerns about his age and health have emerged. The CM has frequently criticised dynastic politics, which he attributes to rivals like RJD chief Lalu Prasad.

In recent months, Nishant has become more publicly visible, often praising his father’s administration. During the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, posters urging him to join politics appeared in Patna and Nalanda, though he did not respond publicly.

The JDU recorded a strong electoral showing, winning 85 seats, almost double its 2020 tally of 43, in the 243-member assembly.