JD(U) Leader Hints at Succession as Nishant Kumar Gains Party Backing

A senior Janata Dal (United) leader has expressed hope that Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar will one day become the state's chief minister, echoing the political trajectory of his father and party president, Nitish Kumar. The statement was made by Devesh Chandra Thakur, a former state minister and former head of the legislative council, during Nishant Kumar's visit to Thakur's Lok Sabha constituency of Sitamarhi.

Thakur, speaking to journalists on Sunday, said he hoped Nishant would "follow in the footsteps of his father" and rise to the top post. His remarks were part of a broader show of support for the young minister, who was greeted with a warm welcome by JD(U) workers across the district.

"Our leader Nitish Kumar has done a lot for Bihar. His two-decade-long tenure as chief minister remains unparalleled. We hope that Nishant would follow in the footsteps of his father and win accolades in public life," Thakur said.

When asked directly whether he saw Nishant as a potential future chief minister, Thakur responded, "Why not? Politics is the art of the possible. May he rise to the greatest heights."

Background: A Swift Political Rise

Nishant Kumar, 45, entered politics in March this year, shortly before his father decided to contest the Rajya Sabha polls, a move that brought an end to Nitish Kumar's Two decades as Bihar's chief minister. Initially, Nishant declined an offer to serve as deputy chief minister in the new state government led by the BJP's Samrat Choudhary. However, he later accepted a cabinet berth after pressure from the party's rank and file.

Party Worker Confidence

JD(U) workers present at the Sitamarhi event also expressed confidence that no leadership vacuum had been created by Nitish Kumar's withdrawal from active politics. They said they were in safe hands under Nishant's leadership.

Thakur, who praised Nishant's performance when asked to assess his health minister, said it was too early to judge. "The young leader has just started off. It is rather childish to ask such a question at this juncture," he remarked.

Nishant's Own Words

Nishant Kumar, known for his reserved demeanor, addressed reporters during his visit. "I am thrilled to visit Sitamarhi, the place where Goddess Sita was believed to have been discovered. I pray to her that I live up to the expectations of the people and work for every section of the society, be it women, OBCs or EBCs, just like my father had done," he said.

The comments from Thakur and the reception for Nishant Kumar highlighted a sense of continuity as the party looks ahead.