Dynasty Debate Rekindled: RJD Targets Nitish over Alleged Family Favouritism

Patna, 18 June 2025 – The Bihar Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), leaving no stone unturned, has launched a scathing critique of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet reshuffle, branding it the creation of a “jamai aayog” — a government shaped by son‑in‑laws. In a fiery press conference today, RJD leaders alleged that Nitish has placed undue political power in the hands of his daughters’ husbands, accusing him of nepotism and betraying the state’s merit-based governance. They urged the governor and Election Commission to probe whether official appointments were influenced by familial loyalties rather than qualifications.

🏛️ The Contested Reshuffle

The trigger was a recent expansion and reshuffle of the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, which saw two of the Chief Minister’s sons‑in‑law entering the cabinet as ministers, along with several other close relatives and associates. The RJD, traditionally a key opposition force in Bihar, pounced on the optics and dubbed the shake‑up a “jamai aayog” — literally “son‑in‑law commission.”

In their statement, RJD MP Tejashwi Yadav hit out, “This is blatant favouritism. Biharers are watching as the Chief Minister installs his own in key positions.” He criticized the move as symptomatic of dynastic politics heaped upon dynastic politics, eroding public trust. The RJD alleges that multiple ministries are now de facto controlled by family members and close confidants rather than elected or experienced representatives.

📌 Key Appointments Under Scrutiny

The focus has converged on two prominent appointments:

• Minister Abhisekh Kumar – Nitish Kumar’s elder daughter’s husband, elevated to the Transport portfolio. Critics say he lacks experience in transportation policy or administration.

• Minister Vinay Sharma – Married to Nitish’s younger daughter, reportedly given charge of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj department—an influential ministry, central to Bihar’s core plank of grassroots empowerment.

Beyond them, other ministers are alleged to be close family friends or individuals hailing from the Chief Minister’s extended social circle. Many have questioned whether competence was sidelined in favor of connection.

🔍 Opposition Lines and Public Reaction

RJD leaders have called for immediate, multi-level investigations. They argue that these appointments violate basic principles of democratic governance and may contravene ethical norms. “When key portfolios are handed to family members, accountability is compromised,” said an RJD spokesperson. “How can the people of Bihar trust independent rule when the ruler’s family seems to run the state?”

A section of civil society has echoed these concerns. A prominent Patna lawyer stated that such appointments might amount to misuse of official position under anti-corruption laws. Others warned that this could set a harmful precedent, undermining the meritocratic selection of public office in a state already grappling with governance deficits.

However, supporters of the CM rallied quickly behind him. One advocate observed, “We elected Nitish Kumar because he gets things done. If capable thoughts emerge within his family, why not? After all, effective governance is what Bihar needs.” Online commentary reflects this split: one blogger enthused that a cohesive team of family members could ensure stronger coordination, while others saw it as a pivot toward autocracy cloaked in democratic guise.

🔧 Nitish Kumar’s Defences

Responding to the uproar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. In a brief statement, he said, “Those who criticise these appointments have not studied their credentials or performance. My daughters’ husbands are fully competent and will serve the people of Bihar diligently.”

He pointed to the professional and academic qualifications of the two key concerned ministers, suggesting that their elevation occurred after due process. While refusing to divulge specifics of the cabinet selection process, he insisted all ministers, whether connected to him or otherwise, were subject to legislative checks and balances.

Within the Janata Dal (United), senior members backed the CM, claiming RJD’s campaign is destabilizing governance for political mileage. A JD(U) insider remarked, “This is a false narrative. The Chief Minister has always championed development. Let credentials speak, not headlines.”

🌐 Wider Debate in Indian Politics

This development in Bihar echoes broader conversations in Indian politics around nepotism and dynastic influence. For decades, leaders across parties have faced criticism for installing family members in power—whether in legislative assemblies, local councils, or party units. The present case raises questions on whether Bihar’s democracy can withstand such a familiarization of governance.

Political analysts suggest that Bihar, with a history of coalition experiments and governance pivots, may see a more overt manifestation of dynastic rule. They warn this could backfire—it may breed disillusionment, erode public support, and weaken internal party democracy.

RJD leaders were categorical: “Family in politics isn’t novel, but family in top governance posts must be exceptional based on capability,” said one senior party figure. They emphasized voters’ right to insist on transparency in selection and warned against unwarranted gains made through proximity to power.

🧭 Ethical Questions and Governance Norms

The mounting debate also spotlights the inadequacy of existing ethical safeguards. Currently, there is no legal prohibition on family members holding public office. Instead, the conduct of such individuals is supposed to be checked by moral standards and public accountability.

RJD leaders are advocating reforms such as mandatory disclosures of club ties, nepotism audits before cabinet formation, and greater oversight by commissions or legislative committees when familial relationships are involved in appointments. They argue that such reforms could depoliticize government formation, injecting integrity into political decision‑making.

⚖️ Navigating Coalition Politics in Bihar

Bihar has a long-standing tradition of coalition governments, where partners often negotiate cabinet posts among themselves. Some BJP allies have weighed in, suggesting that JD(U)’s internal choices are unaffected by coalition math. A BJP state leader said, “If these ministers meet qualifications and BJP has no objection, then political balance remains intact.”

Nevertheless, RJD’s opposition positions the reshuffle as evidence that JD(U) might be using its coalition status not to serve public interest, but to entrench a familial power bloc. They predict this tactic could give JD(U) undue sway in negotiating future power arrangements in Bihar.

📈 Implications for Governance and Voter Outlook

One key question is whether Bihar’s governance will benefit or suffer from this nepotistic tilt. Critics argue the move undermines the credibility of public institutions and marginalizes voices within JD(U) who may feel overlooked. It could lead to internal grumbling and public disenchantment—especially among reform-minded voters.

The RJD hopes to seize the momentum ahead of forthcoming State Assembly elections, turning public sentiment against dynastic politics into electoral gain. They are already rallying door‑to‑door campaigns, framing this as a battle for democratic values and transparency.

Supporters of the CM counter that election outcomes will hinge on delivery of services—not family pedigree. They emphasize the Chief Minister’s record on roads, electricity, women’s safety and social welfare. Their bet is that performance will quiet the critics.

🧵 Political Stakes in the Long Run

The “jamai aayog” episode could have longer-term consequences for Bihar’s political storyline:

• Precedent: If sustained, it may set a stage for kin-first governance norms. Other regional leaders could imitate this model, scaling family-based cabinet packing across India.

• JD(U)’s internal cohesion: Elevating family members may breed resentment among grassroots or long-time members. How party structures react will shape JD(U)'s internal democracy.

• RJD's positioning: The opposition may solidify its stance as the defender of clean governance, appealing to voters tired of nepotism. But this depends on their ability to sustain public pressure.

• Electoral impact: Voter attention is shifting from caste and community identity to governance, transparency, and youth aspirations. The “jamai” narrative could resonate with disillusioned segments.

RJD’s charge of “jamai aayog” seeks to crystallize opposition to what it sees as a growing trend in Bihar—dynastic influence over democratic governance. As Assembly elections approach, Bihar’s electorate will weigh perception against performance: Are these ministers gifted positions due to familial bonds, or are they genuinely qualified and capable?

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Nitish Kumar and his recasting of the cabinet. Supporters insist competence will speak louder than connections. Critics argue that a family-dominated executive dilutes accountability and threatens long-term integrity of Bihar’s democratic institutions. With governance performance and public trust both at stake, the outcome could shape Bihar’s political trajectory for years to come.