Bihar News : Nitish Kumar, who for decades has been a strong critic of dynastic politics, is now facing criticism after allowing his son Nishant Kumar to enter active politics.
Nishant Kumar formally joined the Janata Dal (United) on Saturday, sparking intense debate in Bihar’s political circles. The move has raised questions about whether Nitish Kumar, who consistently criticized family-based politics, has now taken the same path he once opposed.
Critics question Nitish’s political principles
Throughout his political career, Nitish Kumar frequently attacked the dynastic politics practiced by leaders of Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Indian National Congress.
However, with Nishant Kumar entering politics, critics argue that Nitish may have compromised the political values and principles he had upheld for years. Many say the decision weakens his moral ground to criticize dynastic politics in other parties.
Entry seen as end of anti-family politics chapter
Political observers believe Nishant Kumar’s entry into the party is not just the arrival of a new leader but also marks the end of a major chapter of anti-family politics in Bihar, a principle Nitish Kumar had long championed.
Nitish Kumar has often described himself as a follower of Karpoori Thakur, a socialist leader known for keeping his family away from politics. For years, Nitish maintained a similar stance and kept his own family out of the political spotlight.
Growing demand led to the decision
Over the past year, there had been increasing demands within the party to bring Nishant Kumar into active politics. Nitish Kumar had remained silent on the issue, and many believed that silence indicated his refusal.
However, recent discussions about Nitish possibly moving to the Rajya Sabha and allowing his son to take a more active role in Bihar politics have given opposition parties an opportunity to question his long-standing stand against dynasty politics.
Past statements now resurface
Nitish Kumar, who identifies with socialist ideology, has repeatedly stated in public that dynasty politics is harmful to democracy. He has often criticized both Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal for promoting family-based leadership.
In 2017, when Rahul Gandhi remarked in the United States that dynastic politics is a reality in India, Nitish Kumar strongly opposed the statement. He argued that being born into a political family does not automatically make someone capable of governing and that leaders who rise without family backing often perform better.
With Nishant Kumar now stepping into politics, Nitish Kumar’s past statements are once again being debated across Bihar’s political landscape.
