The national council of the Janata Dal (United) on Sunday (June 21, 2026) unanimously endorsed the election of Nitish Kumar as the party’s national president. Mr. Kumar thanked the members of the council for the endorsement.

In an address to party workers and leaders, Mr. Kumar said that JD(U) had taken a place in the hearts of people by fighting for ‘development with justice’, adding that the commitment had resulted in the party’s primary membership exceeding 10 million.

He asserted that before 2005, Bihar was in a dire state and grappling with backwardness; however, since his government was formed in 2005, he worked with honesty and dedication for the development of all sections of society and all regions.

“Efforts were made to bring every segment of society into the mainstream of development, and as a result, the party has continued to receive the blessings and support of the people for the past two decades,” Mr. Kumar said.

He said he was happy that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar was advancing public welfare schemes, including ‘Saat Nischay-3’ (Seven Resolves-3), and was receiving constant support from the Central government. He asserted that, through the coordinated efforts of the State and the Centre, Bihar would scale new heights of development and establish itself as one of the country’s leading developed States.

Calling Mr. Kumar as ‘universally acknowledged’ leader,JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said Mr. Kumar had given the the party a strong identity through his tireless hard work, struggle, and dedication.

“Thanks to his policies and visionary leadership, every resident of Bihar today presents their identity with pride across the country and the world. The robust foundation of good governance, development, and social justice in Bihar is the direct result of Nitish Kumar’s leadership,” Mr. Jha said.

He added that his son Nishant Kumar would play an important role in carrying forward the developmental vision and political legacy of Mr. Kumar. Mr. Jha said that Mr. Nishant’s active involvement had infused new enthusiasm and energy among party workers.

“Nishant Kumar’s greatest attribute is that he speaks less and works more; it is precisely this work style that will see him emerge as a shining star on the horizon of Bihar’s politics in the future,” Mr. Jha said.

In his comments, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said it was due to Mr. Nitish Kumar’s sound economic and social policies that the JD(U) had emerged as an organisation built on solid foundation. He further said that there was complete unanimity within the party that it was Nishant Kumar who would carry forward this developmental legacy of Mr. Nitish Kumar.

Deputy Chief Ministers Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Choudhary and all JD(U) MPs were present. Mr. Choudhary said Mr. Nishant had now stepped into an active role in the party, which would infuse the organisation with new energy and direction.

Later, at the party office, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad briefed the media on the resolutions presented at the meeting. He described Mr. Nitish Kumar’s decision to step down from the post of Chief Minister as a prime example of political probity, trust, and a spirit of cooperation. He asserted that the transfer of power with such ease and dignity was a unique event in the history of Indian politics.

Earlier in the day, the party’s state council meeting was held at its headquarters, where the election of Umesh Singh Kushwaha as the state president for a third consecutive term was also unanimously ratified. A total of 223 representatives from 19 States participated in these meetings.