Speculation around the next political arrangement in Bihar has intensified after a Janata Dal (United) MLA claimed that the party has already discussed elevating Nishant Kumar, son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, to the post of deputy chief minister in the new government.

JD(U) MLA Hari Narayan Singh, a close aide of Nitish Kumar, said that a "unanimous" decision was taken at a party meeting regarding Nishant’s role in the upcoming government formation, news agency PTI reported.

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Claim of unanimous decision

Singh, who represents the Harnaut Assembly segment in Nalanda district, a constituency earlier represented by Nitish Kumar in the 1980s, said the matter was discussed during a legislature party meeting at the chief minister's residence.

"At the legislature party meeting held at the chief minister's residence, a unanimous decision was taken to make Nishant the deputy CM in the new government," PTI quoted Singh as saying.

The development comes a day after Nitish Kumar reportedly briefed party colleagues about his decision to step down from the chief minister’s post and move to the Rajya Sabha.

Plan to enter legislature through council

Singh also indicated that Nishant Kumar, who is entering politics in his late 40s, is likely to be elected to the Bihar Legislative Council next month.

"It was also decided that Nishant shall formally join the JD(U). Since he must become a member of the legislature to hold a constitutional post, he would be elected to the legislative council in April when biennial elections to nine seats are scheduled. He need not necessarily contest from the seat that falls vacant upon his father's resignation."

When asked about the timeline for Nishant's appointment as deputy chief minister, Singh said the final decision would be taken by the party leadership.

"It is not clear whether Nishant will become the deputy CM as soon as a new government is in place or after some time. That is a decision to be taken by the top leadership in due course. I cannot say anything about the speculations that the JD(U) will insist on having two deputy CMs. Yesterday, a decision was taken only on Nishant."

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Political developments in Bihar

Nishant Kumar is expected to formally join the JD(U) soon, shortly after Nitish Kumar announced his intention to enter the Rajya Sabha.

Meanwhile, political speculation continues over the formation of the next government in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the largest party in the ruling NDA alliance, is expected to play a key role in the new arrangement.

Currently, the state has two deputy chief ministers from the BJP, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, with the Home portfolio held by Choudhary.