Janata Dal (United) National President Nitish Kumar. File
| Photo Credit: PTI
Former Chief Minister of Bihar and Janata Dal (United) National President Nitish Kumar on Tuesday (May 13, 2026) directed all 13 ministers and two Deputy Chief Ministers of JD(U) quota to hold a Jan Sunwai (public-hearing) in the party office, where the minister will meet the party workers as well as common citizens to listen to their problems.
Following the instructions, JD(U) State Unit President Umesh Singh Kushwaha released the roster of the ministers, according to which three ministers will sit in the party office from Monday to Friday to listen to the problems starting from May 12.
On the first day, Mr. Kumar also visited the party office to oversee the arrangements. He took stock of the proceedings and also interacted with the party workers, ministers, and the general public present, inquiring about their well-being. While returning, when reporters asked about his son becoming Minister in the Cabinet of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, he did not reply and moved ahead with folded hands.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Energy Department Minister Shailesh Kumar alias ‘Bulo Mandal’, and Science and Technology Department Minister Sheela Mandal listened to the grievances of party workers and citizens who had arrived from various districts, and issued necessary directives to the concerned officials for their time-bound resolution. Building Construction Department Minister Lesi Singh whose schedule is on Monday (May 18) had also reached the party office.
Mr. Kushwaha, National Vice President and former MP Chandeshwar Prasad Chandravanshi, and MLCs Lalan Kumar Saraf and Sanjay Kumar Singh alias ‘Gandhi Ji’ were also present at the party office to receive Mr. Kumar.
As per the roaster, the public hearing will begin at 11:30 a.m. and last for 2 hours, depending on footfall. Apart from Ms. Lesi, Rural Development Department Minister Shrawon Kumar and Rural Works Department Minister Sunil Kumar will be present every Monday.
On Wednesday (May 13), the former Chief Minister’s son, Nishant Kumar, who heads the Health Department, will be present along with Transport Department Minister Damodar Rawat and Disaster Management Department Minister Ratnesh Sada.
Similarly, Ashok Choudhary, Madan Sahani, and Sweta Gupta, Minister of Food and Consumer Protection, Minister of Prohibition Excise & Registration, and Minister of Social Welfare, respectively, will be present on Thursday (May 14).
Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, along with Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha and Mohammad Zama Khan, who oversee the Planning and Development Department and the Minority Welfare Department, respectively, will be present every Friday.
Briefing about the public hearing, Mr. Kushwaha said, “Jan Sunwai programme symbolises JD(U)’s transparent, accountable, and people-centric approach to governance. This initiative clearly reflects the party’s sensitivity towards the swift and effective resolution of the problems faced by ordinary citizens and party workers. This programme has long been an integral part of the party’s established traditions.”
He further added that under this programme, the grievances of party workers and citizens arriving from across the State would be heard with utmost seriousness, and necessary measures would be initiated through the relevant government departments to ensure their time-bound resolution.
Mr. Kushwaha asserted that Jan-Sunwai has benefited a large number of people under the guidance of Nitish Kumar. He added that the Jan-Sunwai programme will continue to play an important role in resolving the issues faced by the common people.
Published – May 13, 2026 08:50 am IST
