Party sources told ET that Nishant Kumar is all set to make his political entry and the final decision lies before chief minister Nitish Kumar.
“For all the admirers of chief minister Nitish Kumar and those who follow his ideology, the news of Nishant Kumar joining politics is a Holi gift. It is for Nitish Kumar to decide his role, but his entry will infuse fresh energy among party workers. Nishant Kumar is an alter ego of Nitish Kumar in every possible way, Bihar minister and senior JDU leader Ashok Choudhary told ET.
March 5 is the last date for filing the Rajya Sabha nomination and it is believed that on Holi, the JDU will announce the name for the Rajya Sabha candidates.
Nishant Kumar (49) has kept himself away from politics. Demand for his inclusion in the party has been raised several times by party workers through posters and statements. The first sign of Nishant joining politics became apparent last Holi. After a gap of nine years, Holi Milan was organised at Nitish Kumar’s official residence in Patna on March 15 last year. This programme was special in many ways. But one thing drew the attention of everyone. Nishant Kumar actively participated in the event as host, greeting guests and party leaders. Several party leaders even shared pictures with him on their social media platforms after the Holi Milan party.
With Nishant joining politics and Nitish facing age-related issues, JDU sources told ET that a succession plan has been set within the JDU. But party sources said a final call on ‘when and how’ will be decided by Nitish Kumar himself.
The question of who will replace Nitish Kumar as party leader has been a point of discussion in political circles for the past few months. With Nishant’s entry, the party has tried to arrest the restlessness among the cadre. The next question is Nitish Kumar’s future. If Nitish Kumar decides to step down as CM, the BJP will have a claim on the CM’s post. The possibility of Nishant Kumar joining the Union cabinet, replacing Ramnath Thakur, cannot be denied if all these developments take place. JDU leaders do not like to talk much on this with the final call to be taken by Nitish Kumar.
