New Delhi, In a strategic move ahead of the 2024 general elections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to assume the role of Janata Dal (United) president, succeeding Lalan Singh. Singh, who had initially denied reports of a leadership change, proposed Kumar’s name during the party’s national executive meeting in the capital today.
Bihar Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary explained, “Lalan Singh told CM Nitish Kumar that he will be busy with elections, so he wants to hand over the post of party president to him, and Nitish Kumar accepted it.”
Party leaders, amidst slogans endorsing Kumar for the prime ministerial role, indicated unanimous support for his presidency. This marks Kumar’s second term as JD(U) president; he previously held the position in 2016, replacing Sharad Yadav, and relinquished it in 2020 in favor of RCP Singh.
JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha stated, “The national executive requested Nitish Kumar to take over the party in the larger interest of the party and nation.”
Reports suggest Kumar’s dissatisfaction with Singh’s coordination within the INDIA bloc led to this change. Singh, refuting rumors, stated, “Nitish Kumar is the leader of our party. JD(U) is united and it will remain the same. I am not going to resign.”
Sources indicate that key leaders within the party favored Kumar’s leadership during the critical prelude to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Singh’s leadership style faced criticism from several party members in recent interactions with Kumar.
*Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of January 2023 and may not reflect the latest developments.*
