Nitish Kumar. File
| Photo Credit: ARUN SHARMA
The Rashtriya Lok Manch and the Janata Dal (United), constituents of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, have been in a tug of war over who would be continuing the political legacy of former Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar.On August 21, RLM national president and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha projected himself as the “real successor” to Mr. Nitish’s political legacy.“As Nitish ji has stepped aside [as Chief Minister]. A large section of people in Bihar and across the country are concerned about how his legacy will be carried forward. Many will stake a claim to the responsibility of taking that legacy forward. We, too, make a claim to do it. I do not know how successful we will be, but a significant segment in Bihar wants the Rashtriya Lok Morcha to take up this responsibility. Others will make the attempt as well, and there is nothing wrong with that,” Mr. Kushwaha said, while addressing a three-day RLM camp in Rajgir.His statement came amid voices among JD(U) workers that Mr. Nitish’s son Nishant Kumar, Bihar Health Minister, would carry forward the legacy of his father and that he possesses all the qualities to become a future Chief Minister of the State.The very next day on August 22, Bihar JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha hit back at the statement with a social media post calling Mr. Nishant as the future of Bihar.“In villages, the elders always advise, 'Spread your feet only as far as your blanket extends’. But some overly ambitious people have a habit of cooking up imaginary dishes while sitting idle and dreaming impossible daydreams that never come true,” Mr. Kushwaha said.“To such distinguished gentlemen, our humble advice is to stop worrying about JD(U) and first take care of your own clan. The continuously rising popularity and public acceptance of Bihar’s future, popular, and people-friendly leader, Nishant ji, is not sitting well with some people,” he further said.On many occasions, JD(U) leaders have said that Mr. Nitish’s withdrawal from active politics in the State has not left any vacuum and that the party was in safe hands under the leadership of Mr. Nishant.Another senior JD(U) leader and MP from Sitamarhi, Devesh Chandra Thakur, who is considered a close confidante of Mr. Nitish Kumar, also backed Mr. Nishant as a possible future Chief Minister.“We want Nishant ji to follow the footsteps of his father and serve the State. Nitish ji has done great work for the development of Bihar and has set an example in the country. We want his son to do the same work,” Mr. Thakur said.Mr. Nishant formally entered politics after joining the JD(U) on March 8 weeks before his father decided to contest the Rajya Sabha polls. His decision also marked the end of Mr. Nitish’s era, who ruled Bihar as Chief Minister for decades.Mr. Nishant, who had earlier refused to be part of the State Cabinet headed by CM Samrat Choudhary, is now serving as Health Minister. These days, he frequently conducts surprise inspections of hospitals, interacts directly with patients to listen to their concerns, and issues immediate directives to officials to rectify shortcomings in health service, reflecting his sensitivity and commitment to public service.RLM chief Mr. Upendra Kushwaha later pointed out that the JD(U) president’s legacy should be seen as a continuation of ideas and values rather than a literal transfer of power. He also asserted that he was the first person to demand Mr. Nishant’s entry into politics and described him as one who is like his son State Minister Deepak Prakash. Mr. Kushwaha added that both leaders are the future of Bihar. Published - August 25, 2026 11:05 pm IST
