New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar is set to enter politics, a development that marks a reversal from his father’s usual aversion to dynastic politics but also lends itself to growing clamor within the JDU that the party sees in him a heir apparent who can help connect it with its core supporters as it transitions to a leadership transition.Several party workers said Nitish, who recently turned 75 and whose health is under close scrutiny, has given his consent for his son to join politics. While speculation about him bagging one of the two Lok Sabha seats that will be given to the JDU is just speculation, there are signs that the party leadership may have overcome its hesitance to put Nitish’s son on stage despite the clamor from the people.Nishant Kumar’s turn to politics only at the age of 50 has led to a growing recognition among key JDU functionaries that he can help the party navigate competition and unpredictability in Bihar’s crowded political arena, as an important face that its traditional voters – Kurmi and some backward and Dalit – can relate to because of their association with his father.Bihar minister Shrawon Kumar from JDU said Nishant is about to enter politics and it will be clear in a day or two whether he will go to the Rajya Sabha. A senior JDU official stressed that Nitish was firmly against dynastic politics but pointed out that some regional parties face an uncertain future as there is no clear line of succession. On the other hand, the RJD has retained its base despite repeated drubbings in the polls as its traditional voters have accepted Lalu Prasad’s son, he added Tejashvi Yadav as his political heir.While Nishant’s future path is far from predictable, his presence will help galvanize the JDU’s base, which is confused about its future outside Nitish.
