In a development that could shape the future of Bihar's ruling Janata Dal (United), a senior party leader has publicly expressed the desire of workers and supporters for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, to formally join the party's political fold. This statement is being viewed as the first clear signal regarding a potential succession plan within the JD(U).
A Public Endorsement for the Next Generation
The significant remarks came from JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha on Friday, December 6, 2025, in Patna. Speaking to reporters with Nishant Kumar by his side, Jha articulated the growing sentiment within the party's ranks. "People in the party, its supporters and well-wishers all want him (Nishant) to work for the party," Jha stated. He added that the final decision now rests with Nishant himself.
When questioned by journalists about his own political plans, Nishant Kumar, an engineering graduate from BIT Mesra, responded with a smile, offering no explicit comment. His recent public appearances have been closely watched. Soon after the NDA's landslide victory in the Bihar assembly elections, he had thanked the state's voters for "voting overwhelmingly" for his father and was seen in a video touching Nitish Kumar's feet in a traditional gesture of respect.
Building Consensus for the Party's Future
The push for Nishant's entry into active politics is not isolated. Just last week, Nitish Kumar's elder brother, Satish Kumar, also voiced his support during a visit to their ancestral village in Nalanda. "If needed, I will speak to the CM about Nishant," Satish Kumar had said, indicating a family endorsement.
This perspective is echoed by other party leaders who see Nishant as a unifying figure for the JD(U)'s future. Party spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar praised Nishant's demeanor, stating he has shown political maturity through his few, measured public statements. "He is the future of the JD(U) because of his ability to take everyone along. He has been very graceful in his conduct," Neeraj Kumar remarked.
Pragmatism Over Principle for JD(U) Survival
Sources within the party suggest that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has historically been cautious about dynastic politics, is now becoming more open to the idea. This shift is viewed as a pragmatic step to ensure the party's longevity. A JD(U) leader close to the CM House explained the dilemma and its resolution: "The CM's principled stand on not promoting dynastic politics has been a factor so far. However, the JD(U) has to do pragmatic politics if it is to survive and thrive. Nishant Kumar alone can be a consensus leader in the JD(U) whenever Nitish Kumar decides to take a back seat."
Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar's only son, made his first notable media appearance in January of the previous year at Bakhtiyarpur, where he spoke in support of his father's governance. The recent orchestrated statements from top party leaders indicate a concerted effort to build a groundswell of support for his formal political induction, positioning him as a key figure for the JD(U)'s post-Nitish era.
