The Janata Dal (United) has convened a meeting of its legislative party on April 20, where a new leader is likely to be elected to fill the leadership vacuum, which has emerged since Nitish Kumar stepped down as Chief Minister and moved to the Rajya Sabha.
Nitish Kumar won the Rajya Sabha election on March 16, resigned from the Bihar Legislative Council on March 30, took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP in Delhi on April 10, and returned to Patna to resign as Chief Minister on April 14.
JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar has indicated that an important decision is likely at the April 20 meeting. He said that since the meeting has been convened by Nitish Kumar, a significant announcement can be expected.
On the question of whether Nishant Kumar will be given a major role, Neeraj Kumar said his position in the party would be decided either by the party leadership or by Nishant Kumar himself.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Chaudhary may be appointed as the leader of the JD(U) legislative party. He currently holds the number-two position in the NDA government led by Samrat Chaudhary. Bijendra Prasad Yadav, who was also sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister on April 15, is considered a less likely contender for the post.
The legislative party meeting was initially scheduled for the day of Nitish Kumar’s resignation. There was speculation that his son, Nishant Kumar, might be elected legislative party leader and nominated Deputy Chief Minister under the JD(U) quota. However, it later emerged that he is not willing to join the government at present, leading to the appointment of senior leaders Vijay Chaudhary and Bijendra Yadav as Deputy Chief Ministers.
On Thursday, Nishant Kumar told the media that he would now focus on strengthening the organisation and would tour across the state to connect with people. He said his immediate priority is to establish his role within the party. He has already begun meeting senior JD(U) leaders and announced plans for a statewide tour.