Nitish Kumar files nomination for Rajya Sabha, speculations rife over frontrunners for Bihar CM post

PTC News Desk: Barely four months after sworning in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th term, Nitish Kumar has filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, kicking off fierce whirlwind in the political corridor of Bihar. 

Accompanied by Amit Shah, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and other National Democratic Alliance leaders, Nitish Kumar filed his nomination at the state Assembly. Before filing the nomination, the Janata Dal (United) leader thanked the people of Bihar for their continued support, saying their trust has allowed him to serve the state for more than 20 years. Recent closed-door meetings have also created speculation about the party’s future strategy and possible plans for forming the next government in the state.

The Rajya Sabha election in Bihar is for five seats, and the last date to file nominations is Thursday. The Bharatiya Janata Party has nominated its national president Nitin Nabin and Bihar unit general secretary Shivesh Kumar as candidates. NDA ally Upendra Kushwaha is also contesting with the alliance’s support for another term.

From JD(U), Union Minister Ramnath Thakur will also file his nomination as the party’s second candidate.

Sources from the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal said the party may also field a candidate for the fifth seat, which could lead to a closely contested election.

Nitish Kumar’s move comes soon after the NDA’s big victory in the Bihar Assembly elections. After the win, he took oath as Chief Minister on November 20, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Narendra Modi and several chief ministers from NDA-ruled states.

With many top NDA leaders gathering in Patna and several meetings taking place, Thursday’s nominations are being seen as an important political development that could influence Bihar’s politics in the coming months.