NEW DELHI: In a surprising turn of events, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again taken charge of the Janata Dal (United) for the second time, succeeding Lalan Singh, who unexpectedly stepped down during a closed-door meeting in Delhi. Lalan Singh, a close aide of Nitish Kumar, had previously denied any impending leadership change, making this transition even more unexpected.
This marks Nitish Kumar’s second stint as the president of JD(U), having assumed the role in 2016 by replacing Sharad Yadav. The move comes at a crucial juncture as the party gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
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Lalan Singh, while resigning, recommended Nitish Kumar as his successor, citing the chief minister’s pivotal role in uniting opposition parties and advocating for a caste census. With the 2024 elections looming, Singh expressed his intention to focus on his own electoral commitments.
JD(U) leader and Bihar minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary provided insight into the leadership change, stating that Lalan Singh acknowledged his upcoming election responsibilities and entrusted Nitish Kumar with leading the party.
Amid reports of internal discord, Nitish Kumar has projected an image of unity, emphasising the need for collective decision-making. The chief minister, although initially reluctant to assume the party presidency, accepted the endorsement of the national executive members.
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The closed-door meeting also addressed Nitish Kumar’s leadership in advocating for a caste census, resulting in the Bihar government increasing reservation from 60 per cent to 75 per cent. This move reflects Kumar’s commitment to addressing social issues ahead of the upcoming elections.
As JD(U) remains a key player in the opposition INDIA bloc, Nitish Kumar’s return to party leadership adds a layer of intrigue to the political landscape, highlighting the strategic dynamics at play.
