Patna: The Janata Dal (United) on Friday cleared the way for the formal political entry of Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, signalling the beginning of a possible generational shift within the party even as the veteran leader assured legislators he would continue to play an active role in state politics. In what party leaders are describing as the beginning of a generational shift within the Janata Dal (United), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar is set to formally enter active politics and join the party on Saturday morning.

The decision was finalised at a meeting held at 1, Anne Marg — the official residence of the Chief Minister in Patna. At the meeting, the party’s working president Sanjay Kumar Jha moved a resolution welcoming Nishant Kumar into the party fold. The proposal was passed unanimously by senior leaders present.

Union Minister and senior JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lallan Singh) said the party sees Nishant’s entry as part of its future roadmap. “Now Nishant will lead the party,” he said, signalling that the leadership transition could gradually take shape in the coming months.

JD(U)’s principal spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said Nishant Kumar will soon embark on a statewide tour to connect with party workers and the public. Party leaders pointed out that Nitish Kumar himself had travelled extensively across Bihar before assuming major organisational responsibilities.

The meeting also saw party legislators urging Nitish Kumar to reconsider his reported plan to move to national politics. Many MLAs, most of them political veterans, expressed concern over the possible leadership transition.

Responding to them, Nitish Kumar sought to reassure the legislators. “I am going to the Rajya Sabha, but I will remain in Bihar. You should feel relaxed; I will be with you,” he told the gathering.

The Chief Minister also defended his decision to enter the Rajya Sabha, saying he had served in almost every legislative forum in his long political career. “I have been a member of all Houses except the Rajya Sabha,” he said.

In Bihar’s political history, several leaders — including former chief ministers Jagannath Mishra and Lalu Prasad Yadav, as well as senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and former Union minister Ram Kripal Yadav — have served in legislative bodies both in Patna and in Parliament.

Nitish Kumar also told party legislators that he would continue to exercise control over the new government formation in the state. According to Lallan Singh, the Chief Minister himself will decide the name of his successor when the transition takes place.