Political Shock in Bihar: Nitish Kumar to Contest Rajya Sabha Elections

Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has officially announced his candidacy for the Rajya Sabha elections, prompting significant political reactions. RJD leader Mritunjay Tiwari described this move as a shocking political abduction, highlighting the BJP's changing dynamics with its allies. Kumar, who has been a prominent figure in Bihar politics for decades, expressed gratitude for the support he has received and emphasized his commitment to the state's development. As the political landscape shifts, many are left questioning the implications of this announcement on Bihar's future governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 12:15 IST

Political Turmoil in Bihar Following Nitish Kumar's Announcement

Just hours after Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced his candidacy for the Rajya Sabha, RJD leader Mritunjay Tiwari expressed that this revelation is a significant shock, labeling it as a major political abduction. He further stated that this move exposes the BJP's attitude towards its allies. Tiwari remarked to a news agency that a sudden shift in Bihar's political landscape is underway, something no one anticipated so soon after the elections. He noted that RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has consistently warned that the BJP intends to dismantle the JDU and remove Kumar from his position as Chief Minister.

Tiwari pointed out that while some members of the JDU are colluding with the BJP, others wish to maintain Kumar's leadership. He emphasized that this situation represents a significant political abduction, revealing the BJP's gradual shift in its approach towards its partners. RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha commented on Kumar's tweet, stating that while many discussions are valid, the language used by Kumar does not resonate with his usual tone. He expressed skepticism about the success of such political experiments in Bihar, comparing it to Maharashtra.

It is now confirmed that Nitish Kumar will contest the Rajya Sabha elections and has submitted his nomination for the current electoral cycle. The 75-year-old leader assured that the new cabinet will have his full support.

In a post on X, Kumar expressed gratitude for the continuous trust and support he has received over the past two decades, stating that this trust has enabled significant development in Bihar. He has long aspired to be a member of both houses of the Bihar Assembly and Parliament, and with this ambition in mind, he is striving to become a Rajya Sabha member this election cycle. Kumar assured his constituents of his commitment to work alongside them for a developed Bihar and pledged his complete support and guidance to the upcoming government.

Kumar holds the record for being Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister. His political journey has been marked by various ups and downs, beginning with his entry into politics as a member of the Janata Dal, becoming an MLA in 1985. He co-founded the Samata Party with George Fernandes in 1994, was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996, and served as a central minister in the Vajpayee government. In 2005, the NDA secured a majority in the Bihar Assembly, leading Kumar to become Chief Minister in an alliance with the BJP.