Nitish Kumar To Replace Lalan Singh As JDU Chief?

The current JDU chief Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh is likely to be replaced by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself at the upcoming national executive committee and national council meeting in New Delhi on December 29, Indian Express reported citing sources.

Sources from the JD(U) told the daily that the decision was expected to be taken due to Nitish's dissatisfaction with certain senior party members, including Lalan Singh, for failing to coordinate with INDIA bloc leaders over his national aspirations.

"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," a source is quoted as saying. Nitish is eyeing a national convenor post.

His close aides have advised him to take over the responsibility of the JDU national president. This move is seen as a measure to prevent potential discontent that might arise if a new figure replaces Lalan Singh.

Reportedly, the Bihar CM is not happy with the growing proximity between Lalan Singh and RJD chief Lalu Prasad along with deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.

The source claims that Rajya Sabha MP Ramnath Thakur might be considered for the position. "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."

In July 2021, Lalan Singh, the Munger MP and a longtime ally of Nitish, took over the position of JD(U)'s national president. He replaced R C P Singh, who had been removed by Nitish due to his proximity to the BJP.

The development comes days after reports claimed that Nitish Kumar was upset with a few INDIA members suggesting the name of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the face of the Opposition bloc for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.