Patna: JD(U) may elect its legislature party leader next week, probably on April 20.The JD(U) legislature party meeting was scheduled for the very day party supremo Nitish Kumar resigned as the CM on April 14, but it was postponed. Later, Nitish “garlanded” BJP legislature party leader Samrat Choudhary as his successor at the NDA meeting the same day.The party currently has no designated leader in the legislative assembly. Until now, Nitish served as the leader of the JD(U) legislature party. However, since he moved to the Rajya Sabha, a new leader must be elected during the upcoming meeting.Senior JD(U) leader and No.2 in the new govt, Vijay Kumar Choudhary may be elected the legislature party leader, source said.Senior JD(U) leader and former minister Shrawan Kumar indicated on Friday that major decisions would be taken during the crucial meeting convened by Nitish.Following Nitish’s resignation as CM, there was speculation that his son, Nishant Kumar, would become the JD(U) legislature party leader and deputy CM in the new govt. However, Nishant was not yet willing to join the govt. As Nishant said on Friday after holding a meeting with JD(U) spokespersons, his priority is strengthening the organisation and he is continuously working on the party’s strategy.Addressing the issue of Nishant not joining the cabinet, Shrawan said while several senior party leaders wished for him to join the govt, it ultimately remained his personal decision. He acknowledged that there might be some resentment involved, but noted that such decisions are made in accordance with prevailing political circumstances. The final call rests with Nitish and Nishant alone, he said.
