JD(U) leaders downplay speculation after Nitish Kumar’s public praise of deputy Samrat Choudhary, even as political circles discuss possible shifts in Bihar’s leadership structure.
Nitish Kumar (Photo: IANS)
With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Rajya Sabha win, talk around his successor has picked up pace in the state. A recent remark by Kumar about his deputy Samrat Choudhary, a BJP minister, has added to the chatter. But senior JD(U) leader and minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has pushed back, saying the comment has been read out of context.
The buzz began after Kumar, during his Samriddhi Yatra in Jamui on Wednesday, pointed to Choudhary and said he would be “looking after Bihar” and that the state would move ahead rapidly. The statement led to suggestions in some quarters that the Chief Minister was hinting at his successor.
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Responding to the speculation, Chaudhary said he was present when the remark was made and dismissed the interpretation outright. He stressed that Kumar has often publicly encouraged his colleagues in a similar manner and that there was nothing unusual in what was said.
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He added that Samrat Choudhary, as deputy chief minister, has been working closely with Kumar and fulfilling his responsibilities. According to Chaudhary, reading a larger political message into the comment was unwarranted.
The JD(U) leader was speaking to reporters at the Chief Minister’s residence late last evening after an Iftaar gathering hosted by Kumar. He also underlined Kumar’s long-standing outreach to minorities, noting that such invitations during Ramadan have been a consistent practice.
When asked if the occasion carried any emotional undertones, Chaudhary avoided a direct reply, saying political decisions are shaped by circumstances rather than sentiment.
With talk of Kumar stepping aside gaining traction, attention has shifted to the possible shape of the next government. The BJP, currently the largest party in the Assembly, is expected to take the lead in such a scenario.
There is also discussion within political circles about a larger role for Kumar’s son Nishant, who recently entered active politics. Sources indicate he could be considered for a key position, including that of deputy chief minister, if a transition takes place.
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