Nitish Kumar's son Nishant enters politics, joins JD(U)

NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar on Sunday formally joined the JD(U), days after the party chief filed his nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah.As the longest-serving chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar’s decision to step down from the top post has triggered speculation over his successor within the JD(U) and in state politics. Nishant Kumar has largely stayed away from active politics despite being the son of one of the most influential political figures in modern Bihar. Nitish Kumar’s decision to vacate the chief minister’s chair marks a key moment in the state’s political trajectory, potentially paving the way for new leadership in Bihar and possibly its first BJP chief minister.

The shift could also signal the end of the long-running Lalu–Nitish era, with both leaders, political disciples of socialist veteran Jayaprakash Narayan, dominating the state’s politics for over three decades.“I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance,” the 75-year-old politician announced on X.