Patna: As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secures a major victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is being credited for leading the party success. However, a significant part of the Janata Dal (United)’s ground-level revival is linked to the quiet but effective work of Manish Verma, a former IAS officer who has emerged as a key strategist for the party.
For years, JD(U) struggled with organisational challenges. Former party president RCP Singh left the organisation, Lalan Singh remained limited to his regional strongholds, and Sanjay Jha, appointed as working president, also faced limits in expanding the party’s reach. The party needed someone who could rebuild its structure at the grassroots.
Who is Manish Verma? JD(U)’s Key Strategist
Manish Verma, an Odisha-cadre IAS officer, resigned from government service about a year ago and joined JD(U) in the presence of Nitish Kumar. He was immediately appointed as the National General Secretary of the party.
Because Verma is from Nitish Kumar’s home district, Nalanda, and shares the same caste background, many believed he was being prepared as Nitish’s political successor. But Verma’s work on the ground showed otherwise. He focused on strengthening the organisation instead of seeking any personal political benefit.
He travelled across Bihar, met party workers directly, held small meetings, and brought the government’s achievements in front of voters.
Why JD(U) Needed Manish Verma?
After JD(U) won only 45 seats in the 2020 assembly elections, Nitish Kumar realised that the party’s organisational structure needed new energy and stronger leadership. This made Manish Verma’s role crucial.
A Year-Long Campaign Across All Districts
On 27 September 2024, Verma launched a state-wide “worker meeting campaign.”
- The campaign began in Muzaffarpur on 27–28 September 2024
- He met officials from the panchayat, block, and district levels
- He listened to their concerns and guided them
- He encouraged youth involvement and strengthened local party teams
- The campaign continued for months and ended on 20 January 2025 in Nalanda.
- Throughout the election period, Verma maintained constant communication with party workers and the public.
The Hidden Force Behind JD(U)’s Electoral Success
Every major political victory has people working behind the scenes. Manish Verma is one such figure who prefers hard work over publicity.
After NDA’s victory trends became clear, he wrote on X, “Nitish ji was, Nitish ji is, and Nitish ji will remain.”
