'Will keep an eye on everything': Nitish Kumar to MLAs
What's the story
Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar, who recently resigned as Bihar Chief Minister to contest the Rajya Sabha elections, addressed senior party leaders on Friday. The meeting came after several MLAs expressed their disappointment over his decision. Some legislators even urged him to reconsider his move. Sources said Kumar assured them of continued involvement in state affairs despite his decision to contest the Rajya Sabha elections.
Party dynamics
'Going to Rajya Sabha, but will come to Bihar...'
During the meeting, Kumar reportedly said, "I'm going to Rajya Sabha, but I will come to Bihar only. You will not face any problems. Don't worry. I will keep an eye on everything." This came as JD(U) was holding its organizational elections amid internal unrest over Kumar's decision to move to Parliament. The announcement of his nomination through a post on X had caught many JD(U) workers by surprise and triggered protests within the party ranks.
Unrest grows
JD(U) workers protest against Kumar's decision
At the JD(U) state office in Patna, party workers continued to protest against Kumar's decision. Some accused senior leaders of conspiring with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to push Kumar out of Bihar politics. Protesters alleged that "traitors" within the party collaborated with the BJP to sideline Kumar, who they claimed had become an "eyesore" for the powerful liquor lobby after imposing prohibition in Bihar.
Office vandalism
Vandalism at party office as anger spills over
On Thursday, vandalism occurred at the party office as workers expressed their anger. They alleged that the BJP had conspired to remove Kumar and install its own government. Meanwhile, Umesh Singh Kushwaha, the incumbent Bihar chief and MLA from Mahnar Assembly, was the only candidate to file nomination papers for the state unit president. After filing his nomination, Kushwaha appealed to party workers to respect Kumar's decision.
Political speculation
Speculation of political realignment in Bihar
Kumar's decision to move to the Rajya Sabha has sparked speculation of a possible political realignment in Bihar. The development is seen as paving the way for the BJP to install its own chief minister in the state. This possibility gained traction after the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats in the recent assembly elections, pipping JD(U) for a second consecutive time.
Family politics
Nishant Kumar's entry into politics amid turmoil
The political churn has also put Kumar's family in the spotlight. Just days before his Rajya Sabha move, he had announced his son Nishant Kumar's entry into politics, despite his dislike for dynasty politics. Party insiders say Nishant could be made the next JD(U) chief, a move seen as an attempt to keep the party intact once Kumar steps away from active state politics.