The Janata Dal (United) has set the stage for a major internal reshuffle as it prepares to conduct organisational elections from the grassroots to the national level, even as speculation grows over whether the party will continue with veteran leadership or make space for a new generation at the top.
The ruling party in Bihar has confirmed that its internal election exercise will begin at the block level and gradually move upward through district and state units before concluding with the selection of the national president. The entire process is expected to be wrapped up by the end of March, with newly elected office-bearers set to serve a three-year term from 2025 to 2028.
At present, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar holds the post of national president, but party leaders have remained tight-lipped on whether he will continue or pass the baton. The silence has fueled political curiosity, especially as allies like the BJP have recently projected younger faces in top organisational roles.
Party leaders have instructed MPs, MLAs and district coordinators to ensure that the election process is conducted in a transparent manner. Alongside internal polls, the JD(U) has also launched an ambitious membership drive, aiming to add one crore new members by the end of the year. The drive, which began late last year, is being seen as an effort to strengthen the party’s base ahead of future electoral battles.
While the party looks inward to restructure itself, it has taken a firm stand on external speculation surrounding the possible comeback of former Union minister RCP Singh. Senior JD(U) leaders have clearly indicated that there is no appetite within the party for his return.
State Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar openly dismissed the idea, saying the party has no need for leaders who left, criticised the government, and later sought re-entry after political experiments failed. He underlined that while the final authority rests with Nitish Kumar, Singh’s recent political choices have distanced him from the JD(U).
Party leaders have also pointed out that Singh aligned himself with different political platforms after leaving JD(U), including outfits that openly questioned the party’s relevance. According to them, such moves have weakened his credibility within the organisation.
Earlier, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, had also ruled out the possibility of Singh’s return, reinforcing the party’s tough line against former leaders who exited during critical political moments.
