End Of An Era? Decks Being Cleared For Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's Exit As He Prepares For Rajya Sabha

Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 09:39 IST

Leaders from the BJP and ally JD(U) announced Nitish Kumar is most likely to file his nomination for the upper house, paving the way for a new Chief Minister in the state.

Given Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s deteriorating health, we saw it coming. Even when he took the oath as the Chief Minister last November after a landslide victory in the state assembly polls, his transition to the Rajya Sabha was on cards.  And so was his possible exit from the political landscape of Bihar.

However, decks were being cleared Wednesday to facilitate his smooth exit, according to a report by The Indian Express.

In a sudden turn of events, leaders from the BJP and ally JD(U) announced Nitish Kumar is most likely to file his nomination for the upper house, paving the way for a new Chief Minister in the state.

According to the report by the outlet, citing sources, there would be a BJP Chief Minister. However, senior leaders from the JD(U) and members of Nitish’s family were at his residence, in a bid to dissuade him from stepping down as the CM.

“There has been talks about Nitish Kumar going to Rajya Sabha. But the final call has to be taken by him only… Nishant is joining politics soon as per the wish of party rank and file", said JD (U) minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary.

While an official confirmation from either of the parties is awaited, sources said Kumar “signed the papers" for his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, as per the report.

BIHAR ASSEMBLY POLLS 2025 

In a sweeping victory in the Bihar Assembly polls, the NDA secured 202 out of the 243 seats, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 89 seats.

The JD(U), on the other hand, won 85 — a jump of 42 seats from the previous elections. Nitish Kumar once again proved to be the charismatic force behind the decisive victory.

‘FACING SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES’ 

According to the Indian Express report, citing a source, the Chief Minister is “facing serious health issues", which prompted the leadership to make the move.

“And there is a general impression that it’s the bureaucracy that’s running Bihar now", said the source.

Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar, who has long stayed away from limelight, may make his political debut. The JD(U) is likely to have two Deputy CMs in Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Nishant Kumar.

News politics End Of An Era? Decks Being Cleared For Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's Exit As He Prepares For Rajya Sabha

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