Kapil Patil or Nishant Kumar? Nitish Kumar’s ‘New JDU’ Blueprint Takes Shape

Patna:
With the Janata Dal (United) embarking on a major organisational overhaul, political circles in Bihar are abuzz with speculation over the party’s next national leadership. As Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initiates the membership drive for the 2025–2028 period, indications are emerging that the JDU may soon witness a significant reshuffle—possibly including a change in the national president and key organisational posts.

Known as the party’s undisputed and widely accepted leader, Nitish Kumar has often surprised both allies and rivals with bold political decisions. This time, too, he appears poised to redraw the party’s leadership structure under what insiders are calling the blueprint of a “New JDU.”

Why Kapil Patil Is in the Spotlight

Maharashtra-based leader Kapil Patil has emerged as a strong contender for the post of Working National President of the JDU. Speculation intensified after his recent meeting with Nitish Kumar.

Patil is a seasoned organisational leader who has previously served as JDU’s National General Secretary and as the party’s in-charge for Gujarat and Goa. A former member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, he represented the Mumbai Teachers’ constituency and won three consecutive elections in 2006, 2012, and 2018.

Political observers believe Patil’s elevation could serve multiple strategic purposes for Nitish Kumar.

Why Nitish Kumar May Prefer an ‘Outsider’

Sources suggest that appointing a leader from outside Bihar could help Nitish Kumar avoid factionalism within the state unit. Past appointments—such as RCP Singh and Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh—had triggered internal groupings and power struggles.

At present, the JDU faces what many insiders describe as an existential challenge, with concerns over growing centralisation and speculation about the party’s long-term independence. By appointing Kapil Patil as Working National President, Nitish Kumar could also allay fears of a potential merger with the BJP, a concern reportedly weighing heavily on sections of the party.

A Firm Anti-BJP Face

Kapil Patil is known for his strong opposition to BJP policies. In fact, when Nitish Kumar exited the Mahagathbandhan and formed a government with the NDA in 2024, Patil resigned from JDU’s primary membership in protest. This anti-BJP stance is seen as an asset at a time when Nitish Kumar may want to reinforce JDU’s ideological autonomy.

Nishant Kumar Also in the Frame

At the same time, speculation continues around Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar’s son. His increasing involvement in social initiatives and frequent public articulation of the government’s achievements have fuelled talk of his formal political entry through the party’s organisational structure.

However, sources indicate that Nitish Kumar is unlikely to make Nishant the Working National President immediately. Instead, he may be inducted as a National General Secretary, tasked with touring Bihar and gaining grassroots exposure before being considered for the top post at a later stage.

Why Sanjay Jha Is Out of the Race

Senior leader Sanjay Jha is widely believed to be out of contention. His perceived proximity to the BJP and his role during the 2025 Assembly elections reportedly displeased Nitish Kumar. Differences over seat-sharing and candidate selection had strained relations, leading to a steady decline in Jha’s influence within the party.

A Strategic Reset for JDU

As Nitish Kumar works to reshape the JDU’s organisational identity, the choice between Kapil Patil and Nishant Kumar reflects two distinct strategies—one focused on ideological insulation and internal balance, the other on generational transition under close mentorship.

Whichever path Nitish Kumar chooses, the decision is likely to redefine the JDU’s future direction and recalibrate Bihar’s political equations in the run-up to the next electoral cycle.