politicsbiharindia

Janata Dal (United)

Janata Dal (United): History and Its Current Form.

By Staff Chakravyuha • 7 June 2025


By Staff Chakravyuha

7 June 2025

Introduction

Janata Dal (United), commonly known as JD(U), is a significant regional political party in the Indian state of Bihar. Over the years, JD(U) has played a central role in the state's political landscape, especially under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. Known for its shifting alliances and pragmatic politics, JD(U) emerged from the remnants of earlier Janata Party factions.

Formation

JD(U) was officially formed on 30 October 2003 through the merger of the Sharad Yadav-led Janata Dal, Samata Party (founded by George Fernandes and Nitish Kumar), and a few smaller factions. The party was created with the vision of providing an alternative to both Congress and RJD-dominated politics in Bihar. It became part of the broader Janata Parivar legacy, originally inspired by Jayaprakash Narayan's anti-Congress movement in the 1970s.

Political Ideology and Support Base

JD(U) is rooted in socialist ideology with a focus on social justice, good governance, and secularism. It draws its support primarily from extremely backward classes (EBCs), Kurmis, and a section of Dalits and Mahadalits, as well as those disillusioned with the RJD's governance model.

Electoral Journey and Political Alliances
  • 2005 Bihar Assembly Elections: Marked the party's major breakthrough with Nitish Kumar becoming Chief Minister in alliance with BJP-led NDA, ending RJD's 15-year rule.
  • 2010 Elections: JD(U)-BJP alliance won a landslide, reinforcing Nitish's image as a 'Vikas Purush'.
  • 2013: JD(U) broke its alliance with BJP due to Narendra Modi's elevation within the party.
  • 2015: JD(U) joined hands with Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD and Congress to form the Mahagathbandhan, winning the election.
  • 2017: Nitish Kumar realigned with the BJP, ending ties with RJD over corruption charges on Tejashwi Yadav.
  • 2022: JD(U) once again exited NDA and revived Mahagathbandhan with RJD and other parties.
Key Leaders of JD(U)
  • Nitish Kumar: Founder member, Chief Minister of Bihar for multiple terms, central figure of JD(U)
  • Sharad Yadav: Co-founder and senior socialist leader (later distanced from JD(U))
  • George Fernandes: Mentor figure, instrumental in Samata Party which merged into JD(U)
  • Lalan Singh (Rajiv Ranjan Singh): Current party president
  • Upendra Kushwaha: Former ally, floated RLSP after parting ways
Criticisms and Allegations

Though JD(U) projected itself as an anti-dote to the alleged 'Jungle Raj' of RJD, it hasn't been completely immune to criticism. In its early days, JD(U) leaders too were alleged to have links with musclemen during elections. While Nitish Kumar's regime has largely been seen as focused on law and order, some opposition critics have alleged selective action and political vendetta.

Booth capturing, a notorious practice in Bihar elections during the 1990s, drastically declined under Nitish Kumar's governance, although sporadic allegations were raised in the early 2000s. Nitish Kumar took pride in restoring rule of law and administrative efficiency in contrast to the earlier RJD government.

Collaborations and Shifting Alliances

JD(U)'s politics has been marked by strategic collaborations. It allied with BJP for more than a decade, broke away in 2013, and returned in 2017. Similarly, it formed an alliance with its rival RJD in 2015 and 2022. These shifts have drawn criticism as opportunistic, but Nitish Kumar has defended them as necessary for Bihar's stability and governance.

Comeback and Relevance

JD(U)'s major comeback came in 2005, when it decisively ended Lalu-Rabri era. Another successful moment was in 2010, when it won a record mandate with BJP. Even after parting ways with BJP in 2022, JD(U) continues to remain relevant in Bihar's power structure due to Nitish's central role as CM and his political maneuvering skills.

Significance

JD(U) represents a unique case of Bihar-centric development politics combined with socialist roots. Its ability to adapt alliances and prioritize governance has kept it politically afloat, despite strong opponents like BJP and RJD.

Conclusion

From a party born out of political fragmentation to becoming a dominant force in Bihar, JD(U)'s journey mirrors the complex political terrain of the state. Whether aligning with NDA or Mahagathbandhan, JD(U) has centered its narrative around development, caste inclusion, and political pragmatism and at the heart of it all remains Nitish Kumar.


#jdu #nitish-kumar #lalan-singh