JDU President Nitish Kumar has nominated his close aide Shravan Kumar as the leader of the party’s legislative wing. The Assembly Secretariat issued a notification to this effect on Tuesday.
The position had been vacant since Nitish Kumar’s resignation. The JDU legislative party met at his residence in Patna on Monday and unanimously authorised the former Bihar Chief Minister to choose its new leader.
Speculation about him being given an important responsibility had been rife over the past few days, particularly after the Bihar government enhanced the security of former minister Shravan Kumar by granting him Y-plus category protection.
Politically, the decision is being seen as significant in terms of social equations. Both Nitish Kumar and Shravan Kumar belong to the Kurmi community, considered an influential OBC group in Bihar politics.
Hailing from Nitish Kumar’s home district, Shravan Kumar began his political journey with the JP Movement, though he remained largely associated with social service in his early years. He joined Nitish Kumar in 1994, when the latter, along with George Fernandes, formed the Samata Party after parting ways with Lalu Yadav.
Shravan Kumar was first elected to the Assembly from Nalanda in 1995 and has retained the seat ever since, winning eight consecutive elections.
By nominating him as the leader of the JDU legislative party, Nitish Kumar has underscored the importance of experience and organisational balance. The move also signals that the party will continue to follow Nitish Kumar’s political line.
Within the party, Shravan Kumar is regarded as a senior leader and plays a key role in major decisions.
His contribution to governance has also been significant. He served for a long period as Rural Development Minister and also handled Parliamentary Affairs, coordinating between the government and the Assembly. He has also served as the Chief Whip in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.