Nitish Kumar Avoids Dynasty Optics with 2 Powerhouse Dy CMs

Nitish Kumar balances caste and coalition equations while avoiding dynastic optics in key appointments

By MANISH ANAND

New Delhi, April 15, 2026 — Former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had built his political image as an anti-dynast. On Wednesday, Kumar reclaimed his image as he packed the Samrat Choudhary-led Bihar government with two heavyweight deputy CMs from the ranks of the JD (U).

Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav took oaths as deputy CMs in Bihar on Wednesday. This brought curtains on raging speculations about Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar. Posters in Patna were put up to demand the CM post for the son of Nitish Kumar.

But Nitish Kumar chose his two most trusted lieutenants as deputy CMs. In a politically pregnant move, both the deputy CMs from the ranks of the JD (U) are no pushovers. They also bring heavy political experience, while having built their career in close proximity of Nitish Kumar.

Shaping his image as a true heir of the political legacy of former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, Nitish Kumar had invited close scrutiny after he allowed his son to join the JD (U) in the run up to his resignation from the CM post. Thakur was an anti-dynast. He had not allowed any member from his family to join politics. Nitish Kumar often cited the example of Karpoori Thakur in his speeches — how a powerful CM died with no property in his name and children out of politics.

By not letting Nishant Kumar become a deputy CM, Nitish Kumar has also sent out a loud message to the BJP that he’s not yet done with the Bihar politics. Nishant Kumar risked becoming a soft face if he had become the deputy of Samrat Choudhary, who took oath as the 24^th CM of Bihar on Wednesday.

In a politically astute move, Nitish Kumar’s choices of deputy CMs reveals his keenness to keep Samrat Choudhary on a tight lease. The pro-BJP faction within the JD (U) failed to get one of the two deputy CM posts. Both Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Vijendra Yadav carry strong socialist credentials. They have also been known to be maintaining distance from the BJP leaders at the Centre unlike JD (U) president Sanjay Jha and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh.

Insiders in the JD (U) have revealed that Nitish Kumar had not been inclined to allow his son to enter politics. With 84 MLAs, the JD (U) has just five members less than the BJP in the Bihar Assembly. By getting two deputy CMs, Nitish Kumar has also ensured a role reversal for the JD (U) in the Bihar government.

Post-Nitish, BJP Bets on Samrat Choudhary in Bihar’s Caste Chessboard

FAQ

Why did Nitish Kumar appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers?

The move is seen as an attempt to balance political, caste, and coalition dynamics while strengthening governance and party coordination

What does “sidestepping dynasty politics” mean in this context?

It suggests that Nitish Kumar avoided promoting family members or dynastic successors, focusing instead on political heavyweights.

Is dynasty politics a major issue in Bihar?

Yes, dynasty politics has been a recurring theme in Bihar and Indian politics, often influencing voter perception and party strategies.

How does this impact Bihar politics?

The decision could reshape power equations within the state and influence alliances

Bihar’s Secret: How Caste, Scams & Strategy Built Power Game

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About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

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