JD(U) Supporters Rally Against Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha Transition
In a dramatic display of dissent, Janata Dal (United) workers gathered outside Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence in Patna on Thursday, vehemently protesting his decision to contest for a Rajya Sabha seat. The protesters, raising slogans and blocking entry points, expressed deep anger and disappointment, arguing that this move contradicts the public mandate that elected Kumar as chief minister.
Workers Voice Anger Over Perceived Betrayal of Public Trust
JD(U) leader Rajeev Ranjan Patel, speaking to news agency ANI, encapsulated the protesters' frustration, stating, "What should we do if not cry? We endured lathi charge and kicking to make Nitish Kumar the chief minister. In 2025, we went door-to-door seeking votes for him. If he is no longer the chief minister, where will the people of Bihar go?" He emphasized that the workers' primary demand is for Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, to be sent to the Rajya Sabha instead, asserting, "We will stay here and will not let him go to file his nomination. Nishant Kumar will be nominated; we will not let Nitish Kumar go."
The protest escalated as party workers surrounded the car of JD(U) leader and Hilsa MLA Krishna Murari Sharan, preventing his entry into the CM's residence. Workers reiterated that conspiracies are being hatched against Kumar and insisted he should complete his term as chief minister until 2030. Krishna Patel, a JD(U) worker, declared, "The people of Bihar have elected him from 2025 to 2030. What is the compulsion to send him to the Rajya Sabha? Our leader was, is, and will be Nitish Kumar."
Political Reactions and Allegations of Conspiracy
While the protests highlighted internal party strife, senior JD(U) leader Sanjay Singh acknowledged the decision rests with Kumar, saying, "If he has made the decision that he wants to go to the Rajya Sabha, then we cannot oppose it, but the public of Bihar wants him to continue to be the CM." In contrast, Congress leader Raashid Alvi alleged that the BJP aims to remove Kumar from state politics by offering him a Rajya Sabha seat, potentially allowing the party to install its own chief minister. He stated, "They aim to outwit Nitish Kumar by moving him to Delhi and enthroning their own CM in Bihar. This is very much possible."
Union Minister Giriraj Singh dismissed such claims as "jokes" and reaffirmed Kumar's leadership. Meanwhile, JD(U) workers speculated that Kumar's recent social media post might have been drafted by someone else or posted under pressure, adding fuel to the ongoing debate within the party.
Nitish Kumar's Statement and Commitment to Bihar
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed the state via a post on X, writing, "For more than two decades, you have consistently placed your trust and support in me, and it is on the strength of that trust that we have served Bihar and all of you with complete dedication. In keeping with my parliamentary aspirations, I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. My commitment to Bihar and its people remains steadfast, and I will continue to support the state's development. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance."
Thursday's protests underscore the significant tension within JD(U) and Bihar politics, as loyal supporters grapple with Kumar's potential transition to the Rajya Sabha and its implications for the state's governance. The events highlight a clash between parliamentary ambitions and grassroots expectations, setting the stage for further political developments in the region.
