In a significant development within the Janata Dal (United) party, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been named the national president, succeeding Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan. The announcement came during the party’s national executive meeting in New Delhi, where Singh officially stepped down from his post, ending days of speculation amid reported internal discord.
Kumar, who previously held the position in 2016 before relinquishing it in 2020, has once again assumed the role of JD(U) national president. This leadership transition follows the tenure of former Union minister RCP Singh, who took over the position in 2020 but left the party last year.
The decision to appoint Nitish Kumar was reportedly made in response to a unanimous request from the national executive, as stated by JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha. He emphasized that the move was in the larger interest of both the party and the nation.
Bihar Minister Vijay Kumar Chowdhary shed light on Singh’s resignation, citing his candidature in the upcoming 2024 national polls as a primary reason. According to Chowdhary, Singh expressed a desire to be relieved from his duties as the party president and suggested that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assume the leadership role. Importantly, Chowdhary clarified that the decision was not fueled by any bitterness between the outgoing and incoming leaders.
The leadership transition within JD(U) comes at a crucial time, raising questions about the party’s strategy and positioning ahead of the upcoming national elections. Nitish Kumar, a seasoned political figure, brings his experience and vision to the forefront once again. His return to the helm could potentially influence the party’s direction and alliances, making JD(U) a key player in the evolving political landscape.
As the political landscape in Bihar undergoes this change, observers will be closely watching the impact of Nitish Kumar’s leadership on the party’s fortunes and its role in shaping the political narrative in the run-up to the 2024 elections.