Overview

• Dr Ashok Kumar (Ram), a six-time MLA and former state Legislature Party leader for Congress, resigned on August 3 following disputes over Dalit representation and a ticket for his son.
• He and his son Atirek Kumar were inducted into JD(U) by working president Sanjay Kumar Jha at a Patna event attended by senior leaders including Umesh Kushwaha and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.
• Ashok Kumar criticized Congress for showing no respect for Dalits and said he was drawn by Nitish Kumar’s welfare initiatives for marginalized communities.
• His defection is seen as a major setback for Congress in Bihar and consolidates JD(U)’s position ahead of the October-November assembly elections.
• Party insiders expect additional Congress leaders to follow his lead, signaling further realignment in the state’s electoral landscape.