'No one dares tell him': Upendra Kushwaha pushes for Nitish's son Nishant as JD(U) heir; says CM should step back

NEW DELHI: On the birthday of Nishant Kumar , son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar , Rashtriya Lok Samta Party and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha sparked a political buzz by publicly suggesting it’s time for a leadership transition within the party.

Taking to social media, Kushwaha, an NDA ally, extended warm wishes to Nishant and called him the "new hope" of Janata Dal (U). “On this happy occasion, I respectfully urge Nitish ji to acknowledge the reality that managing both the government and the party may no longer be ideal for him,” he wrote.

While praising Kumar’s long administrative experience and his importance in running the state, Kushwaha appealed to him to consider handing over party responsibilities—something he claimed many in the party also believe is long overdue. “Delaying this could lead to damage that may never be repaired,” he warned.

RLM President Upendra Kushwaha (@UpendraKushRLM) posts "मीडिया/सोशल मीडिया से जानकारी मिली है कि आज बड़े भाई आदरणीय श्री नीतीश कुमार जी के सुपुत्र निशांत का जन्मदिन है। खुशी के इस अवसर पर जेडीयू की नई उम्मीद निशांत को जन्म दिन की ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं। ईश्वर उसे हमेशा स्वस्थ एवं… pic.twitter.com/5D5BN6wnvw

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 20, 2025

Without directly naming health or age, Kushwaha’s remarks echoed ongoing chatter about Nitish Kumar’s physical and mental capacity to continue in full leadership roles.

Kushwaha added that many JDU leaders may not have the access or courage to convey such concerns directly to Nitish Kumar, which is why he felt compelled to say it openly.

Interestingly, when asked about his political debut during a temple visit in Patna on Sunday, Nitish's son, Nishant Kumar, denied any plans to enter politics. Instead, he urged the people of Bihar to once again make his father the chief minister.