Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is set to take oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 10, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape after nearly two decades of his leadership.
The development was confirmed by BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi, and has intensified speculation over an impending change in leadership in Bihar, with the possibility of a new chief minister emerging by mid-April.
Nitish, who has been at the helm of the state since 2005, is widely seen as one of Bihar’s most influential political figures. His move to the upper house is being viewed by many as the end of a defining phase in the state’s politics.
The transition has also drawn attention to the broader outcome of the Rajya Sabha elections from Bihar. Alongside Nitish, leaders including Nitin Nabin, Upendra Kushwaha, Ramnath Thakur and Shivesh Kumar have been elected to the upper house.
Political observers say the presence of multiple senior leaders in the Rajya Sabha reflects Bihar’s growing political influence at the national level.
Meanwhile, speculation over Nitish’s successor has intensified, with discussions in political circles suggesting that the next chief minister could come from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Names of several leaders are being discussed, although no official announcement has been made.
There has also been visible support among some party workers for Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar, to take on a leadership role, with posters appearing in parts of Patna.
Leaders within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have indicated that a decision on the next chief minister will be taken collectively by the alliance’s top leadership in consultation with Kumar, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
