Patna: Nishant Kumar, the son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, formally stepped into active politics on Sunday after joining the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)). The 50-year-old is expected to play a role in strengthening the party organisation as his father prepares to move to the Rajya Sabha after more than two decades of leading the Bihar government.
Speaking after enrolling as a party member, Nishant said he would work as an active member and try to live up to the trust placed in him by party workers and the public. He also stated that his father’s decision to shift to the Upper House of Parliament was a personal one and that the party would continue to function under his guidance.
Nishant, who holds an engineering background, had largely remained out of public life for years despite being the Chief Minister’s son. His entry into politics comes after JD(U) leaders and party workers repeatedly called for his involvement in party affairs. Senior leaders welcomed the move, describing it as a step that could energise the organisation and help connect with younger cadres.
The development coincides with Nitish Kumar filing his nomination to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16. The veteran leader, who has served as Chief Minister for over two decades and earned the nickname “Sushasan Babu” for his governance record, is expected to vacate the top post in Bihar soon.
Nishant’s political debut has also triggered speculation within political circles about a possible future role in the state government. Some reports suggest he could be considered for a significant position in the JD(U)-led coalition administration once the leadership transition takes place.
Meanwhile, the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) criticised the developments, alleging that political pressure from the BJP had led to the shift in Bihar’s leadership structure. RJD leaders argued that long-time supporters of JD(U) might feel disappointed by the unfolding political changes.
Despite the criticism, JD(U) leaders maintain that the party will continue to operate under Nitish Kumar’s guidance while preparing for the next phase of leadership and organisational expansion in Bihar.
