Nitish Kumar was already elected national party president: JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha
New Delhi, June 22
Janata Dal National Working President, Sanjay Kumar Jha, said on Monday that Nitish Kumar had already been elected as the party's National President in an earlier meeting and was subsequently endorsed by the JD National Council, describing it as a completed organisational process later ratified by the party.
Speaking to reporters, Jha said, "Nitish Kumar was already elected National party President in yesterday's meeting and was endorsed in the National Council.
"Nishant Kumar, who has joined the party and is a minister in the Bihar government, will lead the party going forward and is seen as its future. Now he is working in the government in the future he will work in the organisation..."
The endorsement came during the National Council meeting held on Sunday (June 21, 2026), where party leaders unanimously approved Nitish Kumar's election as National President. The former Chief Minister thanked members of the council for their support and endorsement.
In his address to party workers and leaders, Nitish Kumar said the JD(U) had earned a strong place in public life through its focus on "development with justice," adding that this approach had helped the party's primary membership cross the 10-million mark.
He also reflected on Bihar's political and developmental journey, stating that before 2005 the state was facing serious backwardness and governance challenges. He said that since assuming office in 2005, his government had worked with honesty and dedication for the development of all sections of society and all regions of Bihar.
Senior party leaders, including Deputy Chief Ministers Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Choudhary, along with all JD(U) MPs, attended the National Council Meeting. Vijay Kumar Choudhary said that Nishant Kumar's active entry into organisational work would bring "new energy and direction" to the party.
Later, JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad briefed the media on resolutions passed at the meeting. He described Nitish Kumar's decision to step down from the post of Chief Minister as an example of political probity, trust and cooperative spirit, saying the smooth transfer of responsibilities reflected a unique tradition in Indian politics.
Separately, Sanjay Kumar Jha also reacted to the subsidy payments being transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to around 3.96 lakh farmers affected by storms and hailstorms.
Jha said, "CM Samrat Choudhary announced it already. When Nitish Kumar came to power, a system was put in place under which immediate relief is provided to those affected during any disaster, and whoever suffers is given prompt assistance."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. The party keeps talking about power transfers and new energy, but what about the regular folks in villages? Still seeing delayed road projects and erratic electricity. Smooth succession is good, but governance must follow through. 🙏
Interesting to see how regional parties in India manage succession. The DBT for farmers affected by storms is a good initiative—cash transfers during disasters can make a real difference. Hope other states take note of this model.
Waah! 10 million primary members—that's no small feat for a regional party. Nitish ji stepping down as CM and smoothly handing over shows maturity in leadership. But I hope Nishant Kumar actually brings that 'new energy' and not just more of the same. 🤔
The continuity in leadership is impressive, but I wonder if JD(U) can sustain its identity in an increasingly polarized national landscape. 'Development with justice' is a broad slogan—would like to see more specific policy details on education and healthcare.
Good to see the DBT for farmers—quick relief is much better than waiting months for paperwork. But why only 3.96 lakh farmers? Many more are affected by climate-related disasters across Bihar. The system needs to scale up fast. 🌾
N Nikhil C