Nitish Kumar takes oath as Rajya Sabha member, ends Bihar political era; BJP set to form first-ever govt in state
PTC Web Desk: Veteran Bihar leader Nitish Kumar has formally transitioned to national politics after taking oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha, marking what appears to be the end of his long and influential innings in Bihar’s active political landscape.
The 75-year-old leader was elected to the Upper House as a candidate of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). His move to Parliament is being seen as a significant political shift, potentially paving the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to appoint its own Chief Minister in Bihar for the first time in the state’s history.
According to sources, the contours of the new government in Bihar are likely to become clearer after April 13, coinciding with the festival of Baisakhi.
Nitish Kumar began his political career in 1985 as a legislator and went on to hold key positions at the Centre, including serving as a Union Minister in the government led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Since 2005, he has largely remained at the helm of Bihar as Chief Minister, barring brief interruptions.
Known for his pragmatic and often unpredictable political strategies, Nitish Kumar has switched alliances multiple times, particularly after 2013. His decisions to realign with different political blocs have often been driven by the need to maintain political stability and retain power.
Before stepping away from state politics, Nitish Kumar has also initiated the political entry of his son, Nishant Kumar, through the Janata Dal (United). Nishant is currently touring Bihar, although matching his father’s political stature is expected to be a formidable challenge.
Nitish Kumar’s departure from state politics marks the end of an era in Bihar, where he remained a central figure for nearly two decades.
- With inputs from agencies
