In a surprising twist, Nishant Kumar, the son of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, has turned down the role of deputy CM, prioritizing his efforts to bolster party structures over the next six months. This move comes on the heels of the recent appointments of senior leaders Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav.

Patna: Nishant Kumar, the only son of former chief minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, on Wednesday chose not to join the newly formed Bihar cabinet, despite strong speculation that he would be made a deputy CM after his recent entry into the JD(U).According to JD(U) sources, Nishant declined the offer because he wants to spend the next six months working among the people and strengthening the party organisation instead of taking up a govt post immediately. His decision came even as a section of senior JD(U) leaders had reportedly pushed for his inclusion in the cabinet.After Nishant stepped aside, senior JD(U) leaders Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav were sworn in as the party’s two deputy chief ministers in the new govt.Nishant also stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony held at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday, adding to the buzz around his political future. When asked by the reporters about Nishant’s absence and whether he would formally enter active politics, JD(U)’s new deputy CM Bijendra Prasad Yadav said, “He (Nishant) himself has to decide whether he will come into politics or not.”Party insiders said Nishant’s refusal was also influenced by the criticism that followed the induction of Deepak Prakash, son of RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, into Nitish’s 10th cabinet in Nov 2025. Deepak Prakash had taken oath as a minister despite not being a member of either the Bihar legislative assembly or the legislative council, triggering sharp public criticism and allegations of nepotism.A JD(U) leader said Nishant has long kept a distance from active politics, preferring a spiritual and quiet life. Though he has now joined the party, he is not yet prepared to accept a cabinet berth and wants to focus first on organisational work.Another party functionary said Nishant has informed the leadership that he will not accept any post for at least six months. During this period, he plans to travel across Bihar, meet party workers in all districts, and help strengthen the JD(U)’s grassroots network. Sources added that he may consider a role in the govt only after completing this outreach and becoming a member of either of Bihar’s two legislative houses.