JD(U) National Council unanimously supports Nitish Kumar as National President, calls Nishant its future

D(U) National President Nitish Kumar during the party’s National Council meeting in Patna, Bihar on June 21, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

The Janata Dal (United) National Council on Sunday (June 21, 2026) unanimously approved the election of Nitish Kumar as the party’s national president. Mr. Kumar thanked the council members for their support.

Addressing party workers and leaders, Mr Kumar said the JD(U) had carved a place in the hearts of the people by fighting for “development with justice”, adding that this commitment had led to the party’s primary membership crossing 10 crore.

He argued that before 2005, Bihar was in a terrible state and was facing backwardness; however, since the establishment of his government in 2005, he has honestly and selflessly worked for the development of all sections of society and all regions.

“Efforts have been made to bring every segment of the society into the mainstream of development and as a result the party has continued to get the blessings and support of the people in the last two decades,” Kumar said.

He said he was happy that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar was promoting public welfare programs including ‘Saat Nischay-3’ (Seven Resolves-3) and was receiving continuous support from the central government. He asserted that through the coordinated efforts of the state and the center, Bihar would reach new heights of development and establish itself as one of the leading developed states of the country.

JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha termed Mr. Kumar as a “universally respected” leader and said that Mr. Kumar had given the party a strong identity through his tireless hard work, struggle and dedication.

“Today, due to his policies and visionary leadership, every Biharian presents his identity with pride across the country and the world. The solid foundation of good governance, development and social justice in Bihar is a direct result of Nitish Kumar’s leadership,” said Mr. Jha.

He added that his son Nishant Kumar will play an important role in carrying forward Mr. Kumar’s development vision and political legacy. Mr. Jha said that Mr. Nishant’s active involvement has infused new enthusiasm and energy among the party workers.

“Nishant Kumar’s greatest quality is that he talks less and works more; it is precisely this style of work that will make him a shining star on the horizon of Bihar politics in the future,” Jha said.

In his comments, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said that due to the sound economic and social policies of Mr. Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) has emerged as an organization built on solid foundations. He further said that there was complete unanimity in the party that it was Nishant Kumar who would continue this developmental legacy of Mr. Nitish Kumar.

Deputy Chief Ministers Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Choudhary and all JD(U) MPs were present. Mr. Choudhary said that Mr. Nishant has now entered an active role in the party, which would infuse new energy and direction into the organization.

Later at the party office, JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad briefed the media about the resolutions tabled in the meeting. He termed Mr. Nitish Kumar’s decision to resign as Chief Minister as a prime example of political integrity, trust and spirit of cooperation. He claimed that handing over power with such ease and dignity was a unique event in the history of Indian politics.

Earlier in the day, the party’s state council meeting was held at its headquarters where the election of Umesh Singh Kushwaha as the state president for the third consecutive term was also unanimously approved. A total of 223 representatives from 19 states took part in these meetings.

Published – 22 Jun 2026 02:25 IST