JD(U) likely to elect new head of legislature party at Patna meet on April 20

The JD(U) is expected to elect its new legislature leader on April 20 following the resignation of Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister and his subsequent replacement by the BJP’s Samrat Choudhary, who took oath as Chief Minister on April 15. The JD(U) legislature party meeting is to take place in Patna at Mr. Kumar’s new address 7, Circular Road. The leader of JD-U legislature party will play an important role in the present NDA government led by Mr. Choudhary. Mr. Kumar was, earlier, party leader in the State legislature.

Since Mr. Kumar’s resignation as Chief Minister on April 14, the party post has been vacant. Speculation is rife that senior leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, currently one of two Deputy Chief Ministers from the JD(U), could be elected the legislature party leader. Mr. Choudhary, 69, seven–term MLA from Sarainranjan constituency in Samastipur district, is considered very close to Nitish Kumar. Party sources told The Hindu, that the other Deputy CM, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, 79, who is a nine-term MLA from Supaul constituency, is considered a less likely prospect because of his failing health.