In a stunning revelation, Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief and former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha disclosed that he was the first to propose Nishant Kumar’s entry into politics during a meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Speaking to reporters outside the CM’s residence in Patna on Saturday, Kushwaha emphasized the natural course of their discussions amid the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
Kushwaha downplayed any speculation surrounding the meeting, calling it routine within the NDA alliance. ‘Nitish Kumar is a candidate, and so am I. With five NDA nominees in the fray, such interactions are par for the course,’ he stated. He sought the CM’s blessings as part of ongoing alliance coordination, urging against overinterpreting the visit.
On Nitish Kumar’s decision to shift to Rajya Sabha, Kushwaha noted a wave of sadness among Bihar’s people. ‘Bihar has long benefited from his direct service as CM. Now, from Delhi, he’ll continue serving the state, but the transition naturally evokes melancholy,’ he observed. Kushwaha refrained from critiquing the choice, respecting it as the leader’s personal call.
Turning to Nishant Kumar, Nitish’s son, Kushwaha proudly claimed credit for the idea. ‘I was the first to suggest Nishant to Nitish ji. JD(U)’s move to bring him into the fold, though delayed, is the right step forward,’ he affirmed. Confident in NDA’s sweep of all five seats, Kushwaha dismissed any doubts.
As the fifth NDA candidate, Kushwaha has filed his nomination for Rajya Sabha. A current member of the Upper House, he has previously hinted at cross-voting risks. This development underscores evolving dynamics within Bihar’s political landscape as elections near.