Nitish Kumar’s Rajya Sabha nomination today, Bihar may get new BJP CM

New Delhi: Bihar is poised for a major political transition as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, a move that could trigger a reshuffle at the top of the state government.
National news channels reported Kumar will arrive at the Bihar State Assembly at 11.30 am to file his nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election. His party colleague Ramnath Thakur will also submit his nomination as a candidate of the Janata Dal (United). The development comes just days after Kumar turned 75 on March 1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to be in Patna on Thursday and will be present during the filing of nominations, sources said. A meeting between Shah, Kumar and other NDA leaders may take place after the nomination process.
Sources indicated that discussions on the formula for forming a new government in Bihar could take place during this meeting. Speculation is mounting that the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is the single largest party in the Assembly with 89 seats, may stake a claim to the Chief Minister’s post if Kumar moves to the Upper House. According to sources, the BJP could lead the government, while the JD(U) may be offered two Deputy Chief Minister posts.
Leaders from other parties are also filing nominations. BJP state president Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar are expected to submit their papers, while RLM president Upendra Kushwaha will also file his nomination.
Senior JD(U) leader and minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said discussions were under way regarding Kumar’s entry into the Rajya Sabha.
“Whatever is happening is happening with Nitish Kumar’s consent. Whatever Nitish Kumar wants will happen. The decision has to be taken by Nitish Kumar alone,” Choudhary said, making it clear that the decision rests solely with the Chief Minister.
Party sources admitted that there could be resentment among some leaders, workers and supporters over Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha. In view of this, senior leaders held deliberations at the residence of JD(U) national executive president Sanjay Jha. After the meeting, Choudhary addressed reporters, seeking to convey that Kumar’s move was voluntary.
Senior leader Vijendra Prasad Yadav and minister Ashok Choudhary also met the Chief Minister as consultations intensified.
Even as political activity gathered pace, sources close to the Chief Minister’s residence said the development has triggered “family drama” inside the CM House.
On Holi, family members arrived at Kumar’s residence amid swirling speculation about his shift to the Rajya Sabha. Sources said his son Nishant Kumar is believed to be upset over the reports. Those familiar with the discussions said Nishant does not want any political post for himself.
Family members remained at the residence for over an hour even as political consultations continued in parallel. Sources stressed that the final decision rests with Nitish Kumar. Top JD(U) sources confirmed that Nishant Kumar will enter politics, though his exact role is yet to be decided. Discussions on his future and the next Chief Minister are expected to take place during Thursday’s meeting with Amit Shah.
There has been speculation that Nishant could be considered for a key position, including Deputy Chief Minister, though no official announcement has been made.
Party sources said Kumar is likely to remain Chief Minister until the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 16. He could step down from the post after that date, setting the stage for a new government formation in Bihar.
If elected to the Rajya Sabha, Kumar would achieve a rare distinction. He has previously been a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the Bihar Legislative Council and the Lok Sabha. A term in the Upper House would make him a member of all four legislative forums, both Houses of the Bihar legislature and both Houses of Parliament.
No formal declaration has yet been issued by the party leadership. However, with nominations set to be filed, senior leaders in constant consultation and alliance partners preparing for negotiations, Bihar appears on the brink of a significant political realignment.