Patna: Posters declaring Nishant Kumar the “future CM” of Bihar resurfaced outside the JD(U) office and at major intersections across the state capital on Saturday, reviving speculation over succession as the state awaits clarity on its next chief minister.The posters carry a dual message. One appeals emotionally to Nitish Kumar not to step down as chief minister, reflecting concern among JD(U) workers and supporters over a possible leadership vacuum. The other promotes his son, Nishant Kumar, as the party’s next face, with slogans such as: “Why should we consider other faces when Nishant is ready to fulfill the resolutions of Nitish?”
Nishant, the only son of CM Nitish, formally entered active politics by joining JD(U) on March 8 this year. His entry is being seen as a major generational shift, especially as Nitish prepares to move to the Rajya Sabha. According to sources, Nitish is likely to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10, a move widely expected to be followed by his resignation as CM.As that possibility draws closer, political activity in Bihar has intensified. Discussions over the formation of a new govt are gaining momentum, with several scenarios being considered. While alliance arithmetic has led to speculation the chief minister’s post could go to a BJP leader if Nitish steps down, many JD(U) workers appear determined to keep the leadership within their own party, potentially through Nishant.Several senior JD(U) leaders, including MLA Hari Narayan Singh, have indicated Nishant could be made a deputy CM in the next govt formation. Reports also suggest he may be elected to the Bihar legislative council as early as April 2026, a step that would enable him to hold a ministerial post.For now, Nishant has been assigned the task of strengthening the party at the grassroots level and is expected to tour Bihar to connect with workers. Although JD(U) workers had earlier put up posters urging his entry into active politics, projecting him directly as a future CM marks a significant escalation. The development has stirred public debate and highlighted growing uncertainty and internal churn within Bihar’s political landscape.
