JD(U) national council unanimously endorses Nitish Kumar as national president, calls Nishant its future
D(U) National President Nitish Kumar at the party’s National Council meeting held in Patna, Bihar on June 21, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI
The national council of Janata Dal (United) on Sunday, June 21, 2026, unanimously approved the election of Nitish Kumar as the national president of the party. Mr Kumar thanked council members for their approval.
Addressing party workers and leaders, Mr Kumar said JD(U) had a place in people’s hearts by fighting for ‘development with justice’, adding that this commitment had resulted in the party’s primary membership crossing 10 million.
He argued that Bihar was in a difficult situation and grappling with underdevelopment before 2005; However, since his government was established in 2005, he has worked with honesty and dedication for the development of all segments of society and all regions.
“Efforts have been made to include all sections of society in the mainstream of development and as a result, the party has continued to enjoy public approval and support for the last two decades,” Mr. Kumar said.
He said he is happy that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar is advancing public welfare schemes including ‘Saat Nischay-3’ (Seven Resolutions-3) and receiving continued support from the Central government. He asserted that with the coordinated efforts of the State and the Centre, Bihar would reach new heights in development and establish itself as one of the leading developed states in the country.
Calling Mr Kumar a ‘universally recognised’ leader,JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said Mr. Kumar has given a strong identity to the party with his tireless hard work, struggle and dedication.
“Thanks to his policies and visionary leadership, today every resident of Bihar proudly presents his identity across the country and the world. The solid foundation of good governance, development and social justice in Bihar is the direct result of Nitish Kumar’s leadership,” Mr. Jha said.
He added that his son Nishant Kumar will play an important role in carrying forward Mr. Kumar’s developmental vision and political legacy. Mr. Jha said Mr. Nishant’s active participation has instilled new enthusiasm and energy among party workers.
“Nishant Kumar’s greatest asset is that he talks less and works more; it is precisely this style of work that will emerge him as a shining star on the horizon of Bihar politics in the future,” Mr. Jha said.
In his comments, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said that it was thanks to Mr. Nitish Kumar’s sound economic and social policies that JD(U) emerged as an organization built on solid foundations. He further said that there is complete unanimity within the party that it is Nishant Kumar who continues 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 stepped into an active role in the party and this will inject new energy and direction into the organisation.
Later, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad at the party office briefed the media about the resolutions presented in the meeting. He described Mr. Nitish Kumar’s decision to step down as Prime Minister as a prime example of political honesty, trust and spirit of cooperation. He claimed that such easy and honorable transfer of power was a unique event in the history of Indian politics.
It was held at the party’s state council headquarters earlier in the day, where the election of Umesh Singh Kushwaha as state president for the third consecutive term was also unanimously approved. A total of 223 representatives from 19 States attended these meetings.
It was published – 22 June 2026 02:25 IST
