JDU rethinks Bihar grassroots strategy after Nitish Kumar's exit

New Delhi: Following the resignation of Nitish Kumar as CM, JDU is poised to confront fresh challenges in keeping intact its support base among women, Mahadalits, and the Most Backward Castes.

Over the past two decades, Nitish consolidated party's support more through beneficiaries of his government's welfare schemes than through the strength of his party's organisational structure. With his exit, JDU may now be compelled to explore new strategies to reinforce its grassroots presence and sustain its core support base. For instance, Nitish developed an extensive network of Self-Help Groups under the 'Jeevika' programme, encompassing nearly 1.4 crore women. In the health sector, he cultivated a substantial base of women voters through the appointment of ASHA and Mamta workers.

Also read: End of Nitish Raj, for now: Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister resigns


With Nitish no longer at the helm, it remains to be seen whether these beneficiaries of the welfare schemes will continue to serve as a loyal support base for his party. This clearly underscores the growing concern within JDU over how to connect these state-affiliated workers directly with the party organisation at the earliest possible opportunity. "This is now a do-or-die situation. Nitishji is no longer the face of the government. JDU has ample reason to be concerned about maintaining its status as a significant political force in state politics," a party source said. Under the new circumstances, all eyes are on Nitish's son, Nishant Kumar, who recently joined JDU and has begun frequently visiting the party office to interact with workers. His decision to stay out of the BJP-led NDA government-either as deputy chief minister or as a minister-appears to be part of the JDU's broader strategy to build his acceptability among both party leaders and Nitish's core voter base. "Nishant is JDU's 'Sarvamanya leader' (consensus leader). He has a clear vision to take the party forward from its current position, and he carries a strong political legacy of his father," JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar told ET.

Unlike RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav, who is often identified with "aggressive politics", Nishant is trying to emerge as a "soft" politician. "In his interactions with media and party functionaries, Nishant has so far articulated his views in a calm and measured manner. He conveys to party leaders that he is guided by two enduring influences in his life-'Maa ka Sanskar' and 'Pita ka Kaam (mother's values and father's works)," a JDU source said. Nishant recently held a meeting with all the party's spokespersons.

"His next task is to send out a clear message that he is the natural heir of his father's political legacy in the state. He should keep a close eye on the functioning of the new BJP-headed NDA government and ensure proper protection of his party's political interest," a senior JDU leader said.