NEW DELHI: Is Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who has been a very strong critic of political dynasts, preparing ground for his son Nishant Kumar‘s plunge into politics? For years, dynasty politics has been one of the strongest weapons used by Nitish to attack his rival Lalu Prasad, who promoted his wife, sons and daughters in politics.
But now, there are very strong indications that Nitish may lose that poll plank in the year-end assembly elections. Nishant, who has stayed away from the political glare for nearly two decades, may finally enter mainstream politics to lend a helping hand to his father, who has been under opposition fire over health issues.
Here’s a look at some of the recent developments that have led to these speculations …
- In January this year, Nitish made a public appearance with his son at a political function. At this function, Nishant made his first political remark as he sought votes for his father in the upcoming assembly elections. Nishant also highlighted why JD(U)needed more seats to ensure that Nitish Kumar’s leadership continues for the progress and development of the state.
- Holi festivities at Nitish Kumar’s residence this year saw Nishant participating actively and engaging with senior JD(U) leaders.
- Then appeared a large hoarding outside the Janata Dal (United) office in Patna featuring son Nishant alongside his father. The poster, which prominently displayed Nishant Kumar next to Nitish Kumar, read, ” Bihar ki maang, sun liye Nishant, bahut bahut dhanyawaad ” (Nishant, thank you very much for listening to the demands of Bihar).
Clearly, more than the demand of Bihar, it is the demand of a section of JD(U) leaders who are perhaps worried over the consistent opposition attacks questioning the health of Nitish Kumar. They believe Nishant’s involvement could strengthen the party and carry forward Nitish Kumar’s political legacy.
Neither Nishant nor the JD(U) has made any official statement on this. However, in January, when Nishant was asked about his possible political plunge, this is what he said: “The public will decide what happens next. Let them judge who is capable.”
A clever statement that was not just politically correct but also open ended to ensure the chatter around his poltiical plunge continues.
Nitish Kumar’s present ally – the BJP, which has used dynasty politics as one of its most potent weapons to attack the opposition, was guarded in its response to the possibility of a new ‘son’rise in the state. Bihar deputy chief minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary has already said that his party will back whatever decision JD(U) takes on Nitish Kumar’s son. The other allies of JD(U) have also been guarded in their response while welcoming Nishant if he decided to join politics.
Interestingly, it was opposition RJD’s Tejashwi who perhaps made the strongest call to Nishant to join politics.
“He is our brother. I want him to join politics as soon as possible; otherwise, the BJP will finish the JD(U)–the party formed by Sharad Yadav. He should join politics soon. If he joins politics, then there would be the possibility that JD(U) will survive. It will depend on how Nishant works for the party. We joined politics not because our parents asked us to do it but because the people of Bihar and our party workers needed that,” Tejashwi had said reacting to rumours of Nishant joining politics.
It is natural for Tejashwi, who has been at the receiving end of relentless dynast attacks – both from Nitish and the BJP, to welcome the development.
With Tejashwi and Chirag, son of late Ram Vilas Paswan, already in active politics, if and when Nishant decides to take the plunge, it would complete the troika of three second generation leaders in Bihar politics – following into the footsteps of their fathers.
JD(U) at crossroads? Why Nitish needs Nishant
The JD(U), which has been dominant in state politics for nearly 20 decades, faced perhaps its biggest challenge in the last assembly elections when the party was reduced to being the junior partner in the NDA for the first time.
Nitish could manage to win just 45 seats compared to BJP’s 74. However, the BJP kept its pre-poll promise of forming a government under Nitish Kumar’s leadership and the JD(U) chief was back as chief minister despite reduced numerical strength.
Nitish Kumar did salvage some pride when JD(U) won 14 seats, same as the BJP, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The number enough to make a hero out of Nitish Kumar for providing valuable support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA-3 government.
However, as the assembly elections approach once again, Nitish would be worried about his party’s political fortunes. With Nishant to assist him in managing the party, Nitish would be more focussed on trying to restore the lost political glory of JD(U).
For over two decades, JD(U) has literally been a one-man show, both at the state and at the national level. Till now, keeping the family away from the party was the USP of Nitish, but with the party’s declining fortunes and his advancing age, the Bihar chief minister perhaps may not have that option anymore.
While Nitish is yet to open up on the issue, he has not stopped his ministers and party leaders from raising the pitch for Nishant. Perhaps, the Bihar chief minister is testing the waters for now.