Nitish Kumar to Contest Rajya Sabha Elections, Ending His Tenure as Bihar CM

Nitish Kumar, the chief of JD(U), has announced his candidacy for the Rajya Sabha elections, signaling the end of his lengthy tenure as Bihar's chief minister. With his departure, speculation arises about the future leadership in Bihar, including potential roles for his son, Nishant Kumar. This decision has sparked protests among party workers who express dissatisfaction with Kumar's choice to leave state politics. As Bihar prepares for the elections, the political landscape is shifting, raising questions about the implications for the state's governance and the BJP's potential rise to power.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 14:01 IST

Nitish Kumar's Transition to Rajya Sabha

Patna, Mar 5: The leader of JD(U), Nitish Kumar, declared on Thursday his intention to run for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, marking the end of his long-standing role as Bihar's chief minister.

Kumar, who has been in office since 2005, assured that he would fully support and guide the new government that will be established in the state.

“For over twenty years, you have placed your unwavering trust in me. It is this trust that has allowed us to serve Bihar and its people with utmost dedication,” he expressed, showing appreciation to the citizens of Bihar.

“Your trust has empowered Bihar to achieve a new level of development and respect,” Kumar remarked.

He mentioned that from the outset of his political career, he had aimed to be a member of both Houses of the Bihar legislature and both Houses of Parliament.

“In line with this goal, I aim to secure a seat in the Rajya Sabha during this election,” he stated.

If successful, Bihar would witness its first BJP chief minister, making it the only Hindi heartland state without a BJP leader in that position thus far.

Five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar are set to be contested on March 16, with the deadline for nominations being Thursday.

Kumar's election to the Upper House is viewed as highly likely given the current composition of the state legislature.

This announcement follows two days after JD(U) officials indicated that Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, would be stepping into active politics.

There is speculation that Nishant, an engineering graduate in his 40s, might be appointed as the deputy chief minister in the new government.

In the meantime, numerous JD(U) supporters have been protesting outside the chief minister's residence since Thursday morning in response to Kumar's decision.

Alhaj Mohammad Irshadullah, chairman of the State Sunni Waqf Board and a JD(U) member, expressed that party workers were dissatisfied with this development.

“The party members are upset about Nitish Kumar's choice to leave Bihar politics for the Rajya Sabha. I was shocked when I learned of this. He should have continued as chief minister,” he stated.

Congress communications head Jairam Ramesh also commented on the situation.

“What the Indian National Congress has been asserting during the Bihar election campaign has now materialized,” he posted on social media.

“A leadership shift and regime change orchestrated by G2 has occurred. This is, in many respects, a significant betrayal of the people's mandate,” Ramesh added.