Sanjay Jha’s ascent signals JD(U)’s strategic shift

PATNA: The JD(U) has effectively established Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha as the second-in-command within the party by appointing him as its working president, thereby putting an end to speculations about chief minister Nitish Kumar potentially handing over the party’s leadership to his adviser and former IAS officer Manish Verma or launching his son Nishant’s political career.
Jha’s appointment as the leader of the parliamentary party in the Rajya Sabha and now the working president of the party, just after the Lok Sabha election results and a year-and-a-half before the assembly elections, has led to various interpretations. Nitish’s trust in Jha stems from their long-standing association of about a decade and a half, during which Jha has been involved in every decision of JD(U) behind the scenes. Additionally, Jha has maintained better relations with BJP netas, playing a crucial role in JD(U)’s alliance with teh saffron party and ensuring that the party remains in a respectable position during negotiations. His simplicity and accessibility to party members at all levels have made him acceptable to all.
The decision to appoint a working president comes amid signs that Nitish’s health is declining, making it challenging for him to handle the govt, organizational expansion, and dealings with allies alone. By appointing a trusted associate as the working president, Nitish can delegate the responsibility of the organization and alliance while maintaining control over the govt, ensuring better coordination between the two.
The 2024 Lok Sabha election results have given Nitish new strength, with JD(U) emerging as a kingmaker at the Centre and a power centre in the state. The JD(U) now hopes to become the number one party in Bihar, a position it has not held in 15 years. To achieve this, Nitish recognises the need to rebuild the organization from scratch and distribute roles within the party according to the population of various castes, as revealed by the recent caste census.
The appointment of Jha as the working president is a step towards this goal, as he can oversee the necessary changes in the organization and prepare the party for the upcoming assembly elections.
Jha’s elevation also sent a clear message that Nitish is not planning to hand over the party’s leadership to anyone outside his inner circle. By entrusting Jha with this responsibility, Nitish has effectively quashed rumours about his son Nishant or his adviser Manish Verma taking over the reins of the party.