Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assumed leadership of the Janata Dal (United) for the second time.
after the incumbent leader, Lalan Singh stepped down at the closed-door meeting of the party’s national
executive in Delhi on Friday. Lalan Singh had denied any leadership change ahead of this meeting. The
The executive meeting of JD (U) members hailed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s role in bringing together
opposition parties and pioneering the demand for a caste census. Nitish Kumar is assuming charge as the
new president of JD (U) for the second time after he became the party’s supremo in 2016, replacing
Sharad Yadav.
Development Of A Surprise At The Executive Members Meeting In Delhi
Lalan Singh, a confidant of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, turned in his resignation and recommended Nitish.
Kumar took over the charge. Leader and Bihar minister JD (U) leader and minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary
By way of explanation, the leadership change ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections was because
Lalan Singh said he would be busy with the upcoming general elections and hence wanted to hand over
the reins of the party to Nitish Kumar. The Lok Sabha elections are due in the next four months, in 2024.
Lalan Singh stepped down at the closed-door meeting and proposed Nitish Kumar’s name. He is
currently a representative of the Munger constituency in Lok Sabha.
Notably, JD (U) is part of the opposition in India.
Lalan Singh refuted reports on Thursday about his likely departure as JD (U) president and any rift.
within the party. You are trying to set the narrative. JD (U) is one and will remain united,” he said in
response to the media’s queries on his resignation and differences in the party, stating it would be a
routine meeting.
Reports Against Lalan Singh’s Operational Style Of The Party
Amid reports of rift within the party, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has attempted to project a picture of
unity. Lalan Singh’s operational style was being criticized by several party members who had even
spoken to the chief minister about it, as per sources. Nitish Kumar said in the executive meeting that he
was not personally keen to take over as the party’s president but would abide by the national
executive members. His appointment was heartily endorsed by his party members.
Among several proposals discussed in the meeting was Nitish Kumar’s leadership in pushing for a caste
census and getting a “caste survey done in Bihar. It will result in the state government enhancing the
reservation from the existing 60 per cent to 75 per cent.
Bengali