Bihar politics set for major shift as Nitish Kumar confirms Rajya Sabha move on his X handle
Should this happen, Bihar would get its first BJP Chief Minister, making it the only major Hindi heartland state where the party has not yet held the chief minister’s office
PTC Web Desk: In a significant political development in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has confirmed that he will enter the Rajya Sabha, signalling a possible leadership change in the state.
Nitish Kumar made the announcement through a post on his social media handle, stating that although he is preparing to move to the Upper House of Parliament, his association with Bihar will remain strong. He also assured that he would extend full support to the new government in the state.
“I will continue to stay connected with Bihar and will fully support the new government,” he Kumar said in his message, indicating that a transition in the state leadership could be imminent.
According to leaders of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Kumar is expected to file his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election on Thursday. His move comes months after the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a massive victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
If Nitish Kumar steps down as Chief Minister after filing his nomination, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to assume the top post. Should this happen, Bihar would get its first BJP Chief Minister, making it the only major Hindi heartland state where the party has not yet held the chief minister’s office.
However, an official announcement regarding Kumar’s resignation or the new Chief Minister has not yet been made.
Meanwhile, elections for five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar are scheduled to take place on March 16. The vacancies have arisen as the terms of JD(U) leaders Harivansh Narayan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur, Prem Chand Gupta and Amarendra Dhari Singh of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Upendra Kushwaha of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) are ending.
Based on the current strength of parties in the Bihar Assembly, all five seats are expected to go to the NDA alliance.
Before filing his nomination, senior leaders are expected to visit the revered Mahavir Mandir in Patna to offer prayers.
Kumar’s decision marks a key moment in Bihar’s political landscape and could pave the way for a new leadership arrangement in the state.