A new chapter has begun in Bihar’s politics. Amid discussions about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar moving to the Rajya Sabha, his son, Nishant Kumar, officially joined the Janata Dal (United) on Sunday. He was given a grand welcome at the party’s state office in Patna.
Nishant Kumar’s political entry is being seen as an attempt to carry forward Nitish Kumar’s legacy. Within the party, demands have already been raised to make him the chief minister although political analysts believe that his initial launch in politics could come with important responsibilities such as Deputy Chief Minister or Home Minister.
At a time when political equations in the state are shifting, Nishant’s entry into active politics is expected to give a new direction to the future of the JD(U) and significantly influence Bihar’s evolving political landscape. However, the development has also raised questions about Nitish Kumar’s long-held reputation.
Nitish Kumar, who has long opposed dynastic politics, is now being accused by critics of yielding to affection for his son. He has frequently targeted RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav for promoting his family, often saying, “Karpoori ji never promoted his family. Some people only promote their families. Inspired by Karpoori ji, I too did not promote my family.”
After Nishant Kumar’s entry into politics, questions are now being raised about those ideals.
Political observers believe that Nitish Kumar’s possible move to the Rajya Sabha and Nishant Kumar’s formal entry into politics cannot be a coincidence.
For more than a year, party workers had been urging Nishant Kumar to join the party. Leaders from opposition parties, including Tejashwi Yadav and Chirag Paswan, had also supported the idea.
Last year, when Nishant turned 44, former Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha also backed the demand, describing Nishant as the new hope of the JD(U). He had advised Nitish Kumar to continue leading the government while handing over the party’s leadership to Nishant.
However, Nitish had maintained silence. Many believed that the Chief Minister, known for opposing dynastic politics, would not agree to such a move. But now, with Nishant formally joining the JD(U), critics say Nitish Kumar’s long-standing legacy on the issue has been opened up for debate.
They argue that he may now find it difficult to repeat his oft-stated view that “leaders are not born like kings.”