24 March,2026 03:13 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondent
Nitish Kumar. File Pic
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been re-elected unopposed as the National President of the Janata Dal United (JD(U)), reaffirming his grip over the party's leadership ahead of key political developments.
With no other nominations filed, Nitish Kumar was elected unopposed after the withdrawal deadline concluded on Tuesday. This marks his fourth term as the party's national president.
The nomination process had earlier seen JD(U) Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha and several senior leaders backing Kumar's candidature by filing his nomination papers at the party's New Delhi office on March 19.
The deadline for filing nominations was March 22, and in the absence of any challengers, the scheduled election on March 27 became unnecessary.
The JD(U), formed in 2003 with the involvement of George Fernandes, initially had him as its first National President. He was later succeeded by Sharad Yadav, who led the party for several terms before internal differences led to a leadership shift.
Nitish Kumar first assumed the presidency in 2016 after Sharad Yadav's exit. He was re-elected in 2019 but stepped down in 2020, appointing RCP Singh as his successor.
Subsequently, Rajiv Ranjan Singh took over the role in 2021. However, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Nitish Kumar reassumed the party's top position on December 29, 2023.
With his latest unopposed election, Nitish Kumar is expected to continue as JD(U) president until 2029. Political observers view this as a strategic move aimed at ensuring organisational stability and consolidating leadership within the party during a crucial political phase.
Despite formally taking over the presidency years after the party's formation, Nitish Kumar has long been regarded as the central figure in JD(U)'s decision-making and political direction.
In a significant development, Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, has recently joined the party. He is expected to play a more active role in organisational affairs, sparking discussions about generational transition within the JD(U).
Nitish Kumar was also recently elected to the Rajya Sabha, further strengthening his position in national politics. His continued leadership of JD(U) is likely to play a key role in shaping the party's strategy in the coming years.
As Bihar and national politics evolve, Nitish Kumar's reappointment signals continuity, control, and a focus on maintaining the party's influence in an increasingly competitive political landscape.
(With inputs from Agencies)
