Patna: Nishant Kumar, 50, formally joined the Janata Dal (United) as an active member on Sunday, pledging to "carry the legacy of Papa" – a reference to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The induction ceremony, held at the party headquarters in Patna, was presided over by JDU Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha. Nishant was warmly welcomed by the chief minister’s colleagues and friends, including his personal security officer Harendra Singh, as well as family friends like Lallan Shraff and Sanjay Gandhi.

The new entrant, widely expected to assume the position of Deputy Chief Minister in the near future, touched the feet of senior party leaders as a mark of respect. Friends from his school and college days also attended the event.

Nishant arrived at the party office in a grand procession featuring elephants, horses, and camels, underscoring the ceremonial importance of the occasion. In his brief address, he said, "Since my father decided to move to the Rajya Sabha, I am joining the party and I assure you, I will carry the legacy of Papa."

Nitish Kumar, who was in the national capital at the time, could not attend the ceremony.