Patna: Nishant Kumar, the son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has largely remained distant from politics, political statements, public events, and the media. However, recent developments suggest a change in his stance. Nishant has been seen attending public events alongside his father, praising the Bihar government and Nitish Kumar’s leadership. He has also been actively urging voters to support the Janata Dal (United) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This has led to widespread speculation about whether Nishant is preparing for a formal entry into politics.
Why Is There Talk About Nishant’s Political Debut?
Just a day ago, Nishant Kumar attended an event commemorating his late mother, Manju Sinha’s birth anniversary. At the event, he expressed confidence in JD(U)’s performance in the upcoming Bihar elections and hoped that NDA would declare Nitish Kumar as their chief ministerial candidate, leading them to another term in power. The appearance of posters at JD(U) headquarters demanding Nishant’s entry into politics and his sudden vocal support for political affairs have fueled speculation that his political debut is imminent.
Open but Guarded Statements
While Nishant Kumar has been outspoken on various political matters, including his father’s candidacy and the Bihar government’s performance, he remains evasive when asked about his political ambitions. When questioned directly about his entry into politics, he has consistently deflected, responding with phrases like “Let’s not talk about that.” Despite standing on the threshold of politics, he has yet to formally declare his intentions.
Four Key Factors Behind the Delay
1. Nitish Kumar’s Anti-Dynasty Politics Stance
Nitish Kumar has built his reputation as a staunch opponent of political dynasties, following in the footsteps of veteran socialist leader Karpoori Thakur. Despite holding power since 2005 (barring a brief hiatus in 2014), he has deliberately kept his only son away from politics. Nishant’s hesitation in officially announcing his entry into politics is believed to be a direct reflection of his father’s long-standing stance against political dynasties.
2. Gauging Public Sentiment
Political timing is crucial, and leaders often assess the mood before making major announcements. Although Nishant has become more visible and JD(U) supporters have displayed posters advocating for his political debut, neither he nor the party has made an official declaration. Many believe Nitish Kumar wants to first evaluate public reception and the political climate before making a final decision.
3. A Strategic Trump Card in Youth Politics
As Nitish Kumar ages, discussions about his successor have gained momentum. The question of “who after Nitish?” is critical for both NDA’s leadership in Bihar and JD(U)’s future. Meanwhile, opposition parties like Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have Chirag Paswan, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has Tejashwi Yadav, and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has Mukesh Sahani as their youth leaders. Nishant’s increasing visibility and his calls for youth to support JD(U) suggest that he could emerge as the party’s ace in the battle for young voters. Many believe Nitish is waiting for the right moment to introduce his “trump card.”
4. Timing Ahead of Bihar Elections
Bihar is set to go to the polls later this year, and the opposition has made it clear that Tejashwi Yadav will be their chief ministerial candidate. In the 2020 assembly elections, JD(U) was reduced to just 43 seats, largely due to the growing influence of young leaders like Tejashwi Yadav and Chirag Paswan. Learning from past mistakes, JD(U) may strategically present Nishant as a counterforce to these youthful rivals, especially as elections draw closer. Speculation suggests that a formal announcement about Nishant’s political entry could be made after Holi.
The Road Ahead
With growing indications that Nishant Kumar may enter active politics, the political landscape in Bihar could witness a significant shift. Whether his entry will be officially announced soon or if it will remain a subject of speculation for some more time remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear—his presence is already making waves in Bihar’s political circles.
