Patna, Mar 7 (Daijiworld Media Network): Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar has indicated that he is firm on his decision to move to the Rajya Sabha, even as his son Nishant Kumar is set to formally enter politics by joining the JDU on March 8.
The announcement was made during a key meeting of JDU legislators and leaders at the chief minister’s official residence in Patna on Friday. A resolution welcoming Nishant Kumar into the party was moved by JDU national working president Sanjay Jha and was unanimously endorsed by party MLAs and MLCs.
Party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said Nishant’s induction marks a significant moment for the party. Nishant, who had largely maintained a low profile and stayed away from politics, reportedly agreed to join public life after discussions with his father, party supporters and family members.
Nishant Kumar, an alumnus of the Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra in Jharkhand, is expected to make his political debut with a public programme organised by the party on March 8. Party leaders said he will soon begin touring Bihar to interact with party workers and strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level.
The development has sparked speculation in political circles that Nishant could be given a significant role within the party or the government, especially if Nitish Kumar shifts his focus to national politics after entering the Rajya Sabha.
Nitish Kumar, who has often spoken against dynastic politics, had earlier kept his son away from political activities. However, the latest development signals a major shift as his only son prepares to step into the political arena at the age of 50.
Addressing party legislators, Nitish Kumar also clarified that his decision to move to the Rajya Sabha and step down as chief minister was entirely his own and not influenced by any pressure.
He reassured party leaders that he would continue to remain actively involved in Bihar’s affairs. Nitish said he plans to arrange a residence in Patna and spend considerable time in the state even after taking up his role in Parliament.
Recalling his earlier stint in national politics, Nitish Kumar said that when he worked with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Centre, Vajpayee had advised him to stay in Delhi. However, he had then returned to Bihar, saying the state was his first priority.
“Now I have decided to go to the Rajya Sabha. I will arrange a house in Patna and spend more time in Bihar. You will not face any difficulty and all development works started by our government will continue uninterrupted,” Nitish Kumar assured party legislators.
Nishant Kumar’s entry into the JDU is expected to shape the party’s future leadership as political developments unfold in Bihar.