By Vishwapati
Patna: Speculations are rife in political circles that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may reverse his long-standing opposition to nepotism and dynasty politics. After Holi, there are rumours that Kumar might formally launch his son, Nishant Kumar, into the political arena.
Within the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], discussions are gaining momentum about Nishant Kumar’s potential entry into politics. A graduate of the prestigious BIT Mesra, Nishant is well-educated and recently made his first public appeal for votes in favour of his father.
This month, Nishant spoke to the media during a visit to Bakhtiyarpur, where he joined his father in garlanding the statue of Nitish Kumar’s late father and other freedom fighters. Nishant urged the people of Bihar to re-elect Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister, marking his first active involvement in political discourse.
Nitish Kumar has consistently criticised nepotism in politics, taking a strong stance against parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) for their reliance on dynasty politics. He has often stated that his “family is the whole of Bihar,” contrasting it with parties that prioritise familial ties.
However, the current indications suggest a shift from this position. A senior JD(U) leader, speaking off the record, revealed that Nishant Kumar is ready to enter politics and that the party is awaiting Nitish Kumar’s approval. Many JD(U) leaders are reportedly urging the Chief Minister to allow Nishant’s entry, with speculations pointing towards a formal announcement after Holi.
For years, there has been speculation about Nishant’s political debut. While Nitish Kumar and his close associates initially dismissed the idea, the silence among senior JD(U) leaders on the matter now signals a possible change in stance.
Minister Shravan Kumar, a close confidant of Nitish Kumar, recently welcomed Nishant’s public statement, praising his understanding of governance. When asked whether Nishant should enter politics, Shravan Kumar responded affirmatively, stating that individuals with such progressive thinking are needed in politics, although the timing of the decision remains uncertain.
Several JD(U) leaders have drawn parallels between Nishant’s potential entry and the political ascents of Tejashwi Yadav and Chirag Paswan, sons of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan, respectively. Both leaders have significantly shaped their parties’ trajectories. Party insiders believe Nishant Kumar, with his engineering background and education from BIT Mesra, is more capable and qualified than his contemporaries.
A senior JD(U) leader argued that Nishant’s entry could revitalise the party’s leadership, positioning him as Nitish Kumar’s natural successor. Although some feel Nishant’s political debut is overdue, they believe it is not too late for him to take on a leadership role.
As discussions continue, all eyes are on Nitish Kumar to see if he will pave the way for his son’s entry into politics, signalling a significant shift in his ideological stance on dynasty politics.
- The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com