Nitish Kumar's son Nishant joins JD(U), to be deputy CM
What's the story
Nishant Kumar, the son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has officially joined the Janata Dal (United) party in Patna. His induction comes as the JD(U) chief prepares to vacate the CM's chair for a Rajya Sabha seat. "I thank everyone," Nishant said after joining the party. "I will try to live up to the trust you all have placed in me."
Political debut
Nishant to be deputy CM in new government
Nishant, who is an engineering graduate now in his 40s, was speculated to be the JD(U)'s candidate for Bihar's Rajya Sabha seat. However, with his father, Nitish Kumar, himself moving to the Upper House, he has now officially joined the JD(U). Before joining the party, Nishant held meetings with senior JD(U) leaders and young MLAs on Saturday. He also met district presidents at Sanjay Kumar Jha's residence.
Strategic meetings
JD(U) leaders discuss party's future strategy
During these meetings, Nishant reportedly discussed the JD(U)'s future strategy after Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha move. Sanjay Jha said, "The party will decide ahead what role he will have. It is Nitish-ji's party, and it carries the legacy of his 20 years of work." JD(U) MLA Hari Narayan Singh claimed a "unanimous" decision was taken to make Nishant deputy CM in the new government.
Future prospects
Nishant a different prospect for Bihar: JD(U)
JD(U) spokesman Neeraj Kumar called Nishant a "different prospect" for the party and Bihar. He said, "He is the son of Nitish Kumar, whose unblemished track record will be a big strength for him." Despite concerns over his father's health, party insiders believe that with Nitish around, Nishant will have time to adjust to politics.