Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to move to the Rajya Sabha, with his son Nishant Kumar expected to take over as Deputy Chief Minister, according to sources. If this transition occurs, the next Chief Minister is expected to be a BJP leader, signalling a significant shift in Bihar’s political landscape. Party insiders suggest that Kumar could file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha as soon as tomorrow, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah likely to be present.
A leader close to Kumar, who belongs to the same community and is also under consideration for a Rajya Sabha seat, said, “It is time to mourn. Everything has been decided in Delhi.” Sources indicate that Kumar may resign as early as next week. While his own stance remains unclear, the change would place the BJP firmly in charge in Bihar, a position it has long sought.
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Several BJP leaders are being considered for the Chief Minister’s post, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. The party has also discussed Patna Digha MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia. Observers note that the Chief Minister is likely to be chosen from a backward caste, in line with party strategy.
Nitish Kumar, 75, is Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister, having held office ten times since 2015, barring a brief period when Jitan Ram Manjhi served. He has been instrumental in election campaigns for both the NDA and the Grand Alliance. Despite predictions of decline, Kumar maintained strong support, particularly among women, through initiatives like the schoolgirls’ cycle scheme and the state liquor ban, making his potential exit a turning point in Bihar politics.
