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Janata Dal (United)
Janata Dal (United), commonly known as JD(U), is a regional political party with its principal political base in Bihar. It was formed through the merger of the Sharad Yadav-led Janata Dal faction, Samata Party and Lok Shakti in 2003, and is led by Nitish Kumar.
Party President
Party History
- 1999JD(U) recognition
The Election Commission recognised the Sharad Yadav-led group as Janata Dal (United) and reserved the Arrow symbol.
- 2003Formation of the present organisational entity
The Samata Party, Sharad Yadav-led Janata Dal faction and Lok Shakti merged to form the present JD(U) organisation on 30 October 2003.
- 2005Bihar government
JD(U), in alliance with BJP, formed the Bihar government with Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister.
- 2013Break with NDA
JD(U) ended its alliance with BJP before the 2014 Lok Sabha election.
- 2017Return to NDA
JD(U) returned to the NDA in Bihar and formed the state government with BJP.
- 2022Break with BJP
Nitish Kumar ended the JD(U)-BJP alliance in Bihar and formed a government with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan.
- 2024Return to NDA
JD(U) rejoined the NDA in January 2024 and won 12 Lok Sabha seats in the general election.
- 2025Bihar Assembly election
JD(U) won 85 of the 243 seats in the Bihar Legislative Assembly election.
- 2026Nitish Kumar re-elected party president
Nitish Kumar was re-elected unopposed as JD(U) national president in March 2026 and the national council formally approved his re-election in June 2026.
Top Leadership
- NKNitish Kumar
- SKSanjay Kumar Jha
- RRRajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh
Election Performance
(Lok Sabha)State-wise Strength
(1 states)- Bihar
Financial Overview
No financial statements on record.
Organisational Structure
A network reaching from the national council down to booth level.
Major Policies & Agenda
Emphasis on representation and welfare for socially and economically marginalised groups.
Focus on infrastructure, economic development, education and public services, particularly in Bihar.
The party officially describes its political approach around secularism and inclusive governance.
The party has promoted women's participation, welfare programmes and social development initiatives in Bihar.
Ideology & Vision
To pursue development and governance while emphasising social justice, secularism and the upliftment of disadvantaged sections.
Alliances
- National Democratic Alliance (NDA)Current · since 2024
Symbol & Colours
- Green
- White
Connect with JD(U)
Key Highlights
Past Presidents
(6)- Sharad Yadav – present
- Nitish Kumar – present
- R. C. P. Singh – present
- Lalan Singh – present
- Nitish Kumar – present
- Nitish Kumar – present
All information is sourced from official and public records.