Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has indicated a possible shift to national politics after arriving in Delhi and announcing that he will take oath as a Rajya Sabha member and “stay here now”, a remark that has intensified speculation about his resignation from office.
Speaking to reporters after a long absence from the media, Kumar confirmed his plans to move to the upper house of parliament. “I will take the oath tomorrow, and from now on, I will stay right here,” he said, adding that he had worked in Delhi in the past and would do so again.
Despite the apparent transition, Kumar sought to reassure supporters in Bihar that his ties to the state would remain intact. He said he had carried out significant work in Bihar over the years and that this would continue, signalling he may still retain influence in state politics even while operating from the national capital.
Questions about the political future of his son, Nishant Kumar, were met with a guarded response. Kumar declined to comment directly, saying only that “party leaders will decide”, a statement that has added to speculation about a greater role for the next generation within the Janata Dal (United).
Kumar is scheduled to take oath in the Rajya Sabha on April 10 at 12:15pm, according to official plans. He is expected to return to Patna shortly after, either later the same day or the following morning.
Political attention has now turned to April 14, when Kumar is widely expected to resign as chief minister. A meeting of the NDA legislative party is also due that day, potentially paving the way for the formation of a new government in Bihar.
Amid growing conjecture, senior BJP leader Nitin Nabin said any transition would take place under Kumar’s guidance, suggesting a coordinated approach between alliance partners as the state prepares for a possible change in leadership.
