Sanjay Kumar Jha: New face to steer JD(U)’s national strategy

New Delhi, June 29 (IANS): Sanjay Kumar Jha, Rajya Sabha MP and trusted advisor of Nitish Kumar, was appointed as the national working president of JD(U) during the party’s national executive meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday.

The decision was taken in the presence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union ministers Lalan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur and other senior party leaders.

Jha’s nomination is notable given his close ties to the BJP leadership.

With extensive experience in organizational management and having served as Bihar Water Resources Minister three times since 2019, Jha brings considerable administrative knowledge to his new role.

He started his political career with the BJP and joined the JD(U) in 2012.

Known for his strong links with Nitish Kumar, Jha played a key role in forming the NDA government in Bihar earlier this year, leading to his elevation to the prestigious position.

In his new role, Jha will act as a bridge between the JD(U) and the BJP at the national level, leveraging his established relationships with key BJP figures. His appointment also underlines his strategic importance in aligning the JD(U) with the broader goals of the NDA.

Moreover, Jha’s vocal criticism of the Congress, even though the JD(U) has cooperated with the party on numerous occasions, is in line with the policy positions often taken by the Nitish Kumar administration.

Sanjay Kumar Jha unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Darbhanga constituency against BJP-led Kirti Azad, securing 12.61 per cent votes.

He is considered a skilled crisis manager in the JD(U). His key role was evident when Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA in 2017 and Jha played a key role in strengthening the alliance. Similarly, when Nitish Kumar broke away from the Grand Alliance earlier this year, Jha again played a significant role in facilitating the formation of a new alliance.

After his political preparation in the BJP, Jha’s position in the JD(U) is confirmed by his appointments: he became a member of the Legislative Council on a governor’s note and also served as a cabinet minister in Bihar. These roles confirm his influence and importance in the party hierarchy.

Born on December 1, 1967 in Araria Sangram village in Madhubani district, Jha holds a Master’s degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

He was elected as an MLC in 2006 and later served as Bihar’s Water Resources Minister three times – from June 2, 2019 to November 16, 2020; February 9, 2021 to August 9, 2022; and from August 16, 2022 to January 28, 2024.

His influence extends beyond ministerial roles; he has held positions such as JD(U) national general secretary, MLC and Rajya Sabha MP.

Jha also chaired the party’s parliamentary council in the Rajya Sabha.

Taken together, Jha’s elevation as the party’s national working president highlights his strategic importance in the JD(U), especially in forging and maintaining ties with the Nitish Kumar-led BJP.