Nitish Kumar may be treading a path he once opposed as his party, JD(U), advocates for the entry of his son, Nishant, into politics. However, few seem to question the move—largely because Nitish, a leader rooted in socialist politics, has demonstrated a considerable degree of flexibility in his political decisions.

Supporters argue that Nishant, a computer science graduate from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, fills a crucial gap by representing the “educated youth in active politics.”

Before appearing alongside his father at a January 8 event in Bakhtiyarpur, where statues of freedom fighters, including his grandfather Kaviraj Ramlakhan Singh Vaidya, were unveiled, Nishant was not seen as someone interested in politics. The 48-year-old, the only son of Nitish and his late wife Manju Sinha, has largely stayed out of the public eye. He is known for his interest in spirituality and philosophy, and despite residing in Patna, he has never publicly involved himself in his father’s political work.

Sources close to Nishant suggest that while he seemed disinterested in politics, his entry has been under consideration for some time. “There have been multiple discussions on the subject, and Nishant has asked us to wait. CM Nitish Kumar is aware of it. Nishant is just waiting for the green light from his father,” a source said.

JD(U) Minister Shrawan Kumar, a longtime associate of Nitish from the JP Movement, was one of the first to voice support for Nishant’s political debut. This was quickly echoed by Ashok Kumar Choudhary, JD(U)’s national general secretary, who welcomed the idea of more educated youth entering politics. He also pointed to his daughter, Sambhavi Choudhary, who won a 2024 Lok Sabha seat from Samastipur on an LJP ticket.

Though other senior leaders have kept silent, the prevailing sentiment within the party is that Nishant’s formal entry will happen after Holi, in March.

With the Bihar Assembly elections looming, the timing of Nishant’s potential political career could serve as a strategic move for JD(U), particularly with Nitish facing challenges from his deteriorating health, a strong BJP ally, and a rising rival in RJD. With RJD chief Lalu Prasad having passed the political baton to his son Tejashwi Yadav, JD(U) may be looking to counter with Nishant as a potential successor.

Awadhesh Kumar, a close relative of Nitish, expressed, “Nitish Kumar has built a significant political legacy, and we want Nishant to step into politics now. He has a good understanding of both Bihar and national politics.”

Nishant’s potential political journey is also receiving a relatively warm reception from Nitish’s former allies in RJD and Congress. RJD spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta welcomed Nishant’s decision, noting that Bihar and India are young states, with people below 35 making up a substantial part of the population. “If Nishant enters politics, we welcome it,” he added. Senior Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra echoed this sentiment, saying, “The country needs the force of youth.”

Even JD(U)’s ally, BJP, which has often criticized opposition parties for promoting dynastic politics, voiced support for Nishant’s entry into politics. BJP spokesperson Kuntal Krishna stated, “We will welcome Nishant. Let the JD(U) decide.”

BJP sources are also aware of JD(U)’s vested interest in positioning a successor to Nitish, who has governed Bihar largely uninterrupted since 2005. “Nitish commands a vote share of 18-22%, with strong support among EBCs, Luv-Kush (OBCs, Kurmis, and Koeris), women, and Dalits. With his health declining, JD(U) has been looking for a future face,” a BJP leader said.

Within JD(U), there’s another reason Nishant is seen as the right choice. “As a socialist party, JD(U) should be led by someone from the OBC community. Our current leaders, such as Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Sanjay K. Jha, and Vijay Kumar Choudhary, though experienced, are from upper castes. Nishant, with his background, is seen as someone who can provide longevity and leadership to the party,” said a JD(U) leader.