Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (75) is reportedly set to be elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state, triggering fresh political speculation in Patna. The report claims he may step down as chief minister after becoming an MP.
Bihar is currently governed by the Janata Dal (United)–BJP alliance. With five Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in the state, the ruling alliance—backed by 202 MLAs in the 243-member Assembly—is expected to secure four seats, leaving little room for the Congress–RJD combine.
Fueling the buzz, Nitish Kumar held a lengthy meeting in Patna with JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha, Union minister Lalan Singh and state minister Vijay Chaudhary. An announcement on his candidature could come at any time, the report said, with the nomination deadline ending today.
The report also claims Nitish Kumar is planning to bring his 50-year-old son, Nishant, into active politics and position him as deputy chief minister. With nominations closing, clarity is expected by this evening on whether Nitish will move to the Rajya Sabha or continue as Bihar CM.
RJD leaders, reacting to the developments, alleged that Nitish Kumar is acting at the BJP’s behest and could be sidelined once the party achieves its objectives. They also claimed that if he resigns, the chief minister’s post could go to the BJP, with one of the current deputy chief ministers—Samrat Chaudhary or Vijay Kumar Sinha—being seen as a possible successor.
