Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar will continue to remain actively involved in the state’s governance and party affairs even after moving to the Rajya Sabha, leaders of the Janata Dal (United) have said.
Speaking to reporters in Patna on Saturday, the JD (U) working president Sanjay Jha said Nitish would divide his time between Delhi and Bihar, attending parliament during its sessions while continuing to guide the state government and party organisation.
Jha said Nitish’s role extended beyond formal positions and that he would remain committed to the people of Bihar. He added that the state government would continue to function under Nitish’s guidance during the transition period.
“Nitish Kumar transcends many positions and will not forget his promise to the people of Bihar,” Jha said.
Nitish filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha election on March 5. Voting for the seats is scheduled for March 16, and new members will be elected after the terms of the current MPs expire next month.
According to party leaders, Nitish is expected to resign as chief minister only after formally becoming a Rajya Sabha member. This means he may continue to hold office through March, with the possibility of a new government being formed in the state in April.
Political observers say the next chief minister could emerge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the JD(U)’s ally in the National Democratic Alliance.
The development has reportedly caused unease among some leaders within the JD(U), prompting Nitish to address party legislators during a meeting of the JD(U) legislative party at the chief minister’s residence on Friday.
During the meeting, Nitish assured MLAs, MLCs and MPs that he would continue to lead the party and remain engaged with Bihar’s affairs.
“Do not worry. You will continue to receive our leadership. There will be no problems. I will personally monitor everything and devote time to Bihar,” he told the gathering, according to party leaders.
The meeting was called to brief senior party figures on the developments surrounding Nitish’s move to the Rajya Sabha and to reassure them about his continued role in guiding both the government and the party.
Leaders present at the meeting had earlier appealed to Nitish to continue providing leadership to the state. Nitish reiterated that although he would be serving in the Rajya Sabha, he would remain committed to the goal of building a developed Bihar.
