Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is new JD(U) chief after Lalan Singh Resign

In a surprise turn of events, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been declared the new president of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) after Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh unexpectedly resigned from the post on Thursday. This move ends weeks of speculation about Singh's position and potential tensions within the party.

Singh, who previously denied rumors of a rift and vowed to stay on, reportedly cited his own upcoming candidacy in the 2024 national elections as a reason for stepping down. He requested that Kumar take over the party leadership "in the larger interest of the party and nation," according to JD(U) officials.

Kumar, a seasoned politician and longtime JD(U) leader, previously served as party president from 2016 to 2020. His return to the helm is seen as a significant development, particularly with national elections on the horizon. He is known for his astute political maneuvering and is expected to play a crucial role in negotiations with potential allies, including the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Kumar's takeover also casts light on the dynamics within the INDIA bloc, where his relationship with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and the prospect of Kharge as the potential opposition prime ministerial candidate were reportedly points of contention. Kumar's return could signify a renewed push for his own national aspirations within the alliance.

While the circumstances surrounding Singh's departure remain unclear, the official narrative maintains that the transition was amicable and motivated by a desire to strengthen the party's position ahead of critical elections. Nevertheless, this sudden shift in leadership adds a layer of intrigue to the already complex political landscape in India.

Key points:

• Nitish Kumar is named new JD(U) president after Lalan Singh's surprise resignation.

• Singh cites upcoming elections as reason for stepping down.

• Kumar's return seen as significant for upcoming national polls and potential alliance negotiations.

• Move raises questions about dynamics within INDIA bloc and Kumar's national ambitions.