New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was elected as the president of the Janata Dal (United) at the party’s national executive meeting on Friday. The decision was praised for his efforts in uniting opposition parties and leading the call for a caste census. Kumar succeeds Lalan Singh, who stepped down and proposed Kumar’s name, citing the need for his leadership in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The move was ratified at the national council meeting later in the day. Sources revealed that key leaders within the party favored Kumar, considering him the most prominent face to lead the party at this crucial time. Kumar, who initially expressed reluctance, accepted the decision of the national executive members.

The meeting discussed Kumar’s role in advocating for a caste census, which led to Bihar increasing reservation from 60% to 75%. Kumar emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties, especially with the Congress, and condemned the recent suspension of 146 opposition MPs during the Winter Session.

While there were reports of rifts within the party, Kumar projected unity and dismissed claims that Singh’s perceived proximity to the RJD led to his ouster. Kumar assured that senior party members would be given different roles, emphasizing a united front for JD(U).