Bihar CM Nitish Kumar likely to take over as chief of JD (U)

Current chief Sharad Yadav has not sought another term; likely to be elected as leader on Sunday

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With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar preparing the script for the 2019 general elections by expanding Janata Dal’s (United) footprint outside the state, party president 

Sharad Yadav may pass the baton of the leadership to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in party’s National Council meeting on April 10 in New Delhi.

Sharad Yadav, on Monday, announced that he would not seek another term, after serving three consecutive terms.  "Sharad ji has refused to make any amendment in the party Constitution so as to elect him for the next coming term," party spokesperson KC Tyagi said in a statement on Monday.

Yadav, one of the founder leaders of the party along with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has been at the helm since 2006 and was re-elected for a third term in 2013 by amending the party's constitution which then allowed a maximum of two tenures.  

Under Yadav's third tenure soon after it began in April 2013, JD (U) broke up with BJP after Kumar made clear his strong reservations on Narendra Modi, who was then tipped to be the saffron party's prime ministerial candidate. The party suffered a humiliating loss in 2014 Lok Sabha elections but bounced back in the 2015 Assembly polls after striking a new alliance with Lalu Prasad-led RJD and Congress.

Sources have indicated that Kumar may be elected as the new party president on Sunday. On the sidelines of the Council meeting, he will also be closeted with RLD chief Ajit Singh and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha leader Babulal Marandi.

“The merger of the three parties is on the cards. The issue will be discussed in the meeting and put before the council for its approval,” said a senior leader.

“By taking over the leadership, Kumar will be in better position to stitch a broader alliance against the Modi government and become the face of the Opposition,” said the leader. Kumar will also concentrate on bringing regional parties on board, sources indicate.