As Nishant Kumar moves through Bihar’s West Champaran district, stopping at villages to greet crowds, workers from his political party have positioned earthmovers to shower him with marigolds. MLAs greet him along the way; he is hugged and feted. Nishant appears overwhelmed, and it shows in his reticence. Despite being born into a political family and being familiar with the drama and sycophancy that come with the job, he is not a natural politician.
He rises in the lift built into his Traveller to greet people, often stepping down to meet them. “Janata se mila ye aapar pyar aur samarthan meri sabse badi taakat hai (This immense love and support I get from the people is my greatest strength),” he says. “I hope this same affection, trust and blessing will continue in the future, so that this journey of harmony and development may move forward continuously.”
