Nitish though tried to tread cautiously while introducing his son in politics and refrained from declaring him as his successor, but it explicitly underlined his nervousness, fear of waning charisma, his administrative capabilities and his image. Strategically Nitish does not have sufficient time at his hand to settle Nishant in the turbulent politics of Bihar. Though some BJP leaders welcomed entry of Nishant, they too are aware that this move would neither help JD(U) nor the BJP.

Already Nitish’s move is being questioned by a section of his partymen. They have a pointed query; if at all Nitish was serious to bring Nishant into politics why he did not encourage him to join long back. It is a known fact Nishant never yearned for identifying himself with his father’s politics. In fact after the death of his mother, he was keeping aloof of politics. Obviously this is the reason that his appearance at a public function on January 17, had taken the political circle by surprise.

Grooming of a son in Bihar politics is an arduous task. Even Tejashvi had taken enough time. His rising to prominence was made feasible primarily for the reason that he was son of Lalu Yadav. His incarceration in fodder scam and long illness had made him gain sympathy and support of his caste men and from other backward castes and minorities. Tejashvi did not have to strive to create his own independent support base. Identification of his being Lalu’s son was enough for his vigorous and dashing launch.

Nishant certainly does not enjoy this advantage. His speech on January 17, itself unravels this dichotomy. Speaking at the function at Bakhtiyarpur, home town of Nitish, he appealed to the people of Bihar to once again repose faith on his father who accompanied him. It was indeed astonishing to listen to a son appealing to the people on the occasion of his entry into politics, for reposing their faith in his father. What does it imply?

It sounds strange that the son of a person who has been ruling the state for more than 20 years and is even accredited as the Sushashanbabu (virtuous ruler) has to appeal to the people to have faith in him. Simply being the son of Nitish is not adequate for political legitimacy. Son’s appeal simply testifies to the rumoured deteriorating mental health condition of his father and also, to the perception reverberating the political circle of his turning a liability for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Son’s appeal also endorses the common discernment that his frequent somersaults have eroded his political credibility.

It would be presumptuous to believe that Nishant would be able to salvage the party which has been facing the imminent threat of split. While the JD(U) leaders like Sanjay Jha, the second man next to Nitish, and Lalan Singh enjoy the support of at least six MPs, who are willing to join BJP on any day, the remaining cannot think of surviving by accepting Nishant as their leader.

No doubt BJP does not have any leader of stature who could lead the party independently and has the political acumen of Lalu or even Tejashvi, but it would be utopian to believe that Nishant would any way help the BJP and especially the NDA in fighting RJD. BJP which so far hang on the back of Nitish to come to power will have to find out a new leader from among its senior leaders. BJP has never succeeded to emerge as a potential force on its own.

Nitish’s castemen, Kori and Kurmis, may accept Nishat as their leader. But the OBCs, EBCs and Dalits would prefer to switch over their loyalty to RJD, instead of putting their bet on an untrained and untried colt. It is absolutely a wrong notion that being Nishant will help the NDA to muster public support. Indecisive Nitish, the popular Paltu Chacha of Bihar, is not the Nitish of 2020 when he could tilt the adverse political situation to his advantage.

Nitish known for his unpredictable moves, will certainly not find the situation falling in the place which suits him. For fifty year old Nishant, time and political opportunities do not favour him. In contrast Tejashvi at 36 years is much younger to him but has acquired huge political credibility and vast experience. He has in the past on many occasions challenged the supremacy of BJP strongman Amit Shah and joined issues issue even with Narendra Modi. Nishant is yet to showcase his political understanding by confronting Tejashvi and Lalu. There is no denying that Nishant utterly lacks the expertise and experience which younger Tejashwi has.

So far NDA, especially BJP top leaders Amit Shah and Narendra Modi have been attacking Lalu for perpetuating the dynastic politics but now they would have to defend Nitish and his action. Nishant’s maiden remark, while accompanying Nitish to his home place Bakhtiyarpur to pay floral tributes to statues of prominent freedom fighters, including his grandfather, Kaviraj Ramlakhan Singh ‘Vaidya', basically aimed to reach out to his castemen, has failed to evoke good response.

RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav was right in saying: "The emotional public appeal highlights the helplessness of a son. This is shocking." Though much importance is being attached to Nishant’s introduction in political circle, he still continues to be indifferent. If the JD(U) sources are to be relied, Nishant has his own priorities. While coming out of an electronic shop in Patna, he is said to have commented: "I have come here with a spiritual perspective. I am here to buy a speaker for my mobile so that I can listen to 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' better. I have already embarked on the spiritual path." (IPA Service)