Significant Political Shift in Bihar as Nitish Kumar Files for Rajya Sabha Elections
Bihar's political scene is witnessing a significant shift as Nitish Kumar, the state's longest-serving chief minister, files his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections. With the NDA securing a two-thirds majority, Kumar's leadership is under scrutiny. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticizes Kumar's tenure, drawing parallels with international political scenarios. Amidst protests from JDU supporters, doubts about Kumar's resignation circulate, highlighting the intense political dynamics in Bihar. This article delves into the unfolding events and their implications for the state's future.
| Mar 6, 2026, 14:36 IST
Major Political Developments in Bihar
A notable transformation has occurred in Bihar's political landscape as Nitish Kumar, who has served as the state's chief minister for the longest duration, submitted his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections while expressing full support for the new cabinet. The leader of the Janata Dal (United), Kumar, secured his fifth electoral victory in 2025, with the NDA achieving a two-thirds majority in Bihar, leading him to take the oath as chief minister for the tenth time.
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Commenting on Kumar's candidacy for the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh remarked that during the Bihar election campaign, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders repeatedly asserted that Kumar would not last long in Bihar. Even when he assumed the chief minister role, his tenure was not expected to be lengthy... This is a betrayal of the trust of the people of Bihar, as the mandate was given to Kumar to serve again as chief minister... It resembles the situation with Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, according to Ramesh.
Ramesh further stated that Kumar sought votes for himself, not for his son or Samrat Chaudhary... The BJP has dismantled parties like the NCP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. Now, they might even ask Chandrababu Naidu to join the Rajya Sabha. He noted that the governors are now BJP officials. The days of independent governors are over; just look at the governors of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal... A person from Nagaland was sent to Tamil Nadu, and when the local government became frustrated, he was transferred to Bihar.
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Meanwhile, JDU supporters and party workers protested outside the chief minister's residence in Patna, refusing to believe that Kumar had decided to resign from his position. One JDU worker reacted to a post on X confirming Kumar's status, suggesting that his account might have been hacked. Another supporter expressed, "Nitish Kumar cannot disrespect the people's mandate. He is under immense pressure due to a significant conspiracy. It is heartbreaking. The people of Bihar consider him family. No one else can be chief minister here. We want Nitish Kumar to continue as chief minister."