Political Veteran Eyes Key Position After Historic Ninth Win
Prem Kumar, the Bharatiya Janata Party's most accomplished legislator from urban constituencies, has created history by securing his ninth consecutive victory from Gaya. This remarkable achievement establishes him as one of the party's most successful and experienced politicians in Bihar.
Voters in Gaya now anticipate that Kumar will play a substantial role in the next government. With the chief minister's position not being considered, political observers suggest that the positions of Speaker or deputy chief minister represent the most appropriate options for the BJP's longest-serving MLA.
Party Leadership Hints at Significant Role
When questioned about what position Prem Kumar might occupy in the new government, district BJP chief Prem Prakash stated that the decision rests with the party leadership. However, he emphasized that given Kumar's seniority and extensive experience, the role "must be something big."
Prem Kumar's political journey includes induction as a minister in the first cabinet formed by Nitish Kumar in 2005. Since that initial appointment, he has maintained a consistent presence in the government, except during periods when the BJP existed outside the Nitish Kumar-led alliance.
A Storied Political Career and Administrative Experience
Kumar's political career demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. He served as leader of the opposition between 2015 and 2017, a position traditionally regarded as the shadow head of the government. In terms of administrative experience, no other BJP leader in Bihar matches his extensive tenure.
His ministerial portfolio includes:
- Minister of Public Health and Engineering Department (2005)
- Minister of Public Works Department (2008-2010)
- Minister of Urban Development Department (2010-2013)
- Agriculture Minister (2020-2022)
- Cooperative and Forest Departments (2024)
Uncertainty Looms Despite Impressive Credentials
Despite his impressive track record, some BJP observers caution that the party leadership's unpredictable style and reputation for strategic surprises mean nothing about Prem Kumar's future can be stated with certainty. They highlight that the party has adopted a forward-looking approach, and Prem Kumar, already in his 70s, might not align with long-term political planning.
This perspective gains credibility when considering that Nand Kishore Yadav, his most prominent contemporary, has already been sidelined. A BJP leader revealed that had Prem Kumar not been the party's most prominent EBC (Extremely Backward Class) face, he might have faced similar treatment.
With no major elections scheduled until 2029, the party now has ample time to groom a successor—potentially someone like Pramod Chandrawanshi or another emerging EBC leader. This development adds an intriguing dimension to Kumar's political future, balancing his undeniable achievements against the party's evolving strategic priorities.
