Buzz in JD(U): Nitish taking over as party chief, Lalan Singh on way out

Nitish has not outlined his aspirations within the INDIA set-up but leaders within the JD(U) did not rule out his prime ministerial ambitions outright. On Wednesday, when West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee unexpectedly announced Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as a potential PM face of the bloc, some leaders reportedly wondered whether she was trying to scuttle the chances, if any, of Nitish.

“He at least expects he gets a national convenor post,” a senior JD(U) leader said, adding this proposal “made sense” with the Congress being routed in the three Hindi heartland states and winning only in Telangana in the recent polls. “The party is upset with the way things are going for us in the INDIA bloc. Despite setting the narrative with the caste survey, our leader could hardly gain support,” the leader said.

A party functionary said Nitish was also miffed with “Lalan Singh’s growing proximity with RJD chief Lalu Prasad and deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav”.

Another name that could potentially come up for the national president post, leaders said, was Rajya Sabha MP Ramnath Thakur. They, however, add the final decision would rest with Nitish.

“The party may further raise the Economically Backward Class (EBC) pitch by giving the national president position to Rajya Sabha MP Ramnath Thakur. He is the son of socialist icon and former CM Karpoori Thakur. The party is also observing the centenary year of Karpoori Thakur in 2024. But the final decision has to be taken by Nitish Kumar who will be under pressure to keep the position to himself to avoid rumblings in the party.”

A senior JD(U) leader recalled how Nitish got Sharad Yadav to vacate the national president position for him in 2016 when he was attempting to get a national position within the UPA alliance. “Heading into 2024, we can do better if Nitish Kumar is at the helm,” he said.

Lalan Singh, who is the Munger MP and longtime aide of Nitish, replaced R C P Singh as JD(U)’s national president in July 2021. Nitish had removed RCP due to his growing proximity to the BJP. If Lalan Singh gets dropped from the party post, he will join top party leaders such as George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, R C P Singh, and Upendra Kushwaha to have fallen out with Nitish.