PatnaJul 21, 2025 07:57 IST
First published on: Jul 21, 2025 at 07:56 IST
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NDA constituent and former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha Sunday advised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to give up the reins of the Janata Dal (United), saying it was no longer “feasible for him to simultaneously manage both the government and the party”. With this, Kushwaha became the first BJP and JD(U) ally to make this suggestion.
Though Kushwaha did not suggest Kumar should transfer the responsibility to his son Nishant Kumar, he called the latter a “nai ummeed (new hope)”. Taking to X to wish Nishant on his birthday, the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief wrote: “On this joyous occasion, heartfelt birthday wishes to Nishant, the new hope of JD(U) … On this occasion, I humbly request honourable Shri Nitish Kumar Ji to kindly accept the truth, considering the sensitivity of the time and circumstances, that it is no longer feasible for him to simultaneously manage both the government and the party. His extensive experience in running the government will greatly benefit the state if utilised appropriately. However, regarding the transfer of the party’s responsibility (in my opinion and that of thousands of workers and leaders of his party, the time has now come), he should take a firm decision in a timely manner. Delaying this decision could lead to irreparable damage to the party. Perhaps a loss so severe that it may never be compensated. (Note: Party leaders perhaps may not be able to convey this to the Chief Minister, and even if some people say it, they may not be able to reach him).”
An RLM leader said, “Kushwaha ji’s post is very clear. He is clearly suggesting that Nishant Kumar should take control of the party before it is too late. Kushwaha ji has been forthright in his views. Nishant Kumar should come forward now”.
Once a confidant of Nitish Kumar, Kushwaha quit the JD(U) in 2023, two years after he merged his then outfit, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, with it. This was the third time he had quit the JD(U), the first being his expulsion from the party in 2007 and the second time coming in 2013. Each time, Kushwaha’s political ambitions and differences with Nitish were attributed as reasons for his exit.
How allies, RJD reacted
JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar told The Indian Express, “Upendra Kushwaha has been a senior leader. Nitish Kumar had made him the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and also valued him immensely by nominating him to the Rajya Sabha. Kushwaha, as an NDA ally and well-wisher of Nitish Kumar, has expressed his concerns. But it is purely up to Nishant Kumar and the CM to take a call on this. Nishant will act as per his father’s wishes.”
BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma reiterated that the party had been saying all along that the coming Assembly elections would be contested under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. “As for Nishant Kumar coming to politics, he is most welcome. He has seen politics from close quarters. We are always in favour of the young generation with a clear insight joining politics.”
A leader of the Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), who did not wish to be named, said, “We have been asking for a strong NDA leadership for a while. We have been talking about new leadership and new resolution … But we have our political constraints and cannot say many things overtly. Upendra Kushwaha has been forthright in his views.”
The Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) said Kushwaha’s comments had vindicated Leader of Opposition in the state Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. “Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has been raising concerns about Nitish Kumar’s health for a long time. Everyone knows who the few ones taking decisions on the CM’s behalf are. We have already said Nishant Kumar is welcome in politics. It is high time he took control of JD(U) or else the BJP would gobble it up. The recent announcement of doles shows how desperate the NDA is to cling on to power,” said RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari.