Patna, April 20 (IANS) The Janata Dal (United) on Monday convened its first legislative party meeting since the formation of the new government in Bihar to elect a new leader of the party in the Assembly.

The crucial meeting is being held today at the Chief Minister’s official residence, 1 Aney Marg in Patna. The post of JD(U) legislative party leader fell vacant after former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned and moved to the Rajya Sabha.

Notably, this is the JD(U)’s first internal meeting since the change of government in the state. Several senior leaders have already arrived at the venue for the meeting.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Mokama MLA Anant Singh were among the leaders who arrived early, signaling the high stakes attached to the meeting.

According to sources, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary is the frontrunner for the post of legislative party leader. Currently holding the number-two position in the government from the JD(U) quota, his administrative experience and proximity to Nitish Kumar significantly bolster his chances.

Although senior leader Bijendra Prasad Yadav remains another possible contender.

JD(U) MLA Shalini Mishra, speaking to mediapersons ahead of the meeting, said, “We hope that our leaders will be elected today, and that the government will do a better job. This is why we are holding this meeting.”

The political atmosphere in Patna has further intensified due to posters appearing across the city. These posters carry slogans such as “Next CM of Bihar” and “Nitish-ji’s mission remains incomplete; only Nishant-ji can fulfill it”.

These posters were placed near the Chief Minister’s residence and the JD(U) office in Patna.

The messaging is being interpreted as a subtle push for emerging leadership, with Nishant Kumar increasingly being projected as a future face in Bihar politics.

Today’s meeting is not merely procedural but holds strategic significance for the JD(U)’s internal power structure and its role within the current NDA-led government. The selection of the legislative party leader will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s direction in the post-Nitish Kumar era.

–IANS

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