Former MP Santosh Kushwaha left JDU and joined RJD. Potential shift in the party's political influence in the Seemanchal region, increasing the challenge for Nitish Kumar for the 2025 elections.
Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party JDU (JD-U) has suffered a major setback ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025. Former Purnia MP and senior JDU leader Santosh Kushwaha resigned from the party today, October 10, 2025, at 2 PM and joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD – RJD). His decision is likely to bring about a significant change in Bihar's political landscape.
Neglect within the Party
Several reasons are being cited behind Santosh Kushwaha joining RJD. It is said that his neglect within the party and the disregard in ticket distribution for the upcoming elections compelled him to take this step. Kushwaha is reportedly considering contesting against JDU minister Leshi Singh from the Dhamdaha assembly seat. His move could weaken JDU's political influence in the Seemanchal region.
Kushwaha's Influence in Seemanchal
Santosh Kushwaha belongs to the Kushwaha-Kurmi community and has had a b political hold in the Seemanchal region. He has served as an MP from Purnia twice (2014 and 2019). His move to RJD is considered a significant organizational loss for JDU in this region. Experts believe that Kushwaha's step could strengthen RJD's vote bank in Seemanchal.
RJD's Strategy
RJD considers this part of its Social Engineering strategy. According to the party, Kushwaha's inclusion will strengthen its grip in Seemanchal and expand its reach among various sections of society. Furthermore, there are possibilities of LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Ajay Kushwaha also joining RJD, which could make the Kushwaha community and the party even more influential.
Impact on Bihar's Electoral Equations
Analysts say that this development will affect the political equations of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025. Under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav, RJD is trying to strengthen its position by bringing in new faces. Santosh Kushwaha's inclusion could prove to be not only a boost for the party's electoral strategy but also for its organizational strength in Seemanchal.
The Challenge for Nitish Kumar and JDU
This electoral challenge is significant for JDU. With Santosh Kushwaha's departure, the party will have to work extra hard to retain its old supporters and vote bank in Seemanchal. Political analysts believe that JDU must focus on its party image, leadership, and local organizational strength to minimize the impact in the upcoming elections.
Kushwaha's Political Journey
Santosh Kushwaha has played a significant role in the politics of Seemanchal and Bihar throughout his political career. Having served as an MP twice, Kushwaha prioritized regional and social issues. With his inclusion in RJD, under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav, the party could gain new opportunities in Seemanchal, and the opposition alliance could be strengthened.
