Following Rajiv Ranjan aka Lalan Singh’s resignation from the position during party’s executive conference in Delhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was chosen the new president of the Janata Dal (United), marking a significant political shift. The news of possible leadership changes follows weeks of rumors and denials from JDU sympathizers and leaders.
Lalan Singh offered his resignation as president due to his desire of concentrating more and taking part fully in the approaching elections. He then put forward Nitish Kumar, who was elected in a matter of minutes, to succeed him as the party’s leader.
JDU general secretary Ram Kumar Sharma said, “Lalan Singh first proposed his resignation and it was accepted. Simultaneously, the resolution was passed that Nitish Kumar would be the next president.”
Many within the political sphere had been expecting this move as there had been rumors floating about the JDU about a potential guard shift. But party leaders had remained silent—some even opposing the idea—about a potential leadership change until the very last minute.
Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD politician and deputy chief minister for Bihar, also denied the rumors that Lalan Singh had resigned as party chief.
As Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is being sponsored by Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal as a possible PM candidate, a number of JDU leaders are pushing for Nitish Kumar to head the INDIA group.
