Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has announced that he intends to contest the Rajya Sabha election, confirming the development through a post on X (formerly Twitter) that has triggered intense political activity and protests among some Janata Dal (United) supporters in Patna.
In his post, Nitish said he had long wished to become a member of both houses of the Bihar legislature and Parliament during his political career.
पिछले दो दशक से भी अधिक समय से आपने अपना विश्वास एवं समर्थन मेरे साथ लगातार बनाए रखा है, तथा उसी के बल पर हमने बिहार की और आप सब लोगों की पूरी निष्ठा से सेवा की है। आपके विश्वास और समर्थन की ही ताकत थी कि बिहार आज विकास और सम्मान का नया आयाम प्रस्तुत कर रहा है। इसके लिए पूर्व में…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) March 5, 2026
“Since the beginning of my parliamentary career, I had a desire to become a member of both houses of the Bihar legislative assembly and both houses of Parliament. In this regard, I want to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in this election. I will support the new government of Bihar,” Nitish wrote.
According to sources, Nitish has already received the nomination receipt (NR) from the Bihar legislative assembly. JD(U) leaders Ramnath Thakur and Manish Verma have also reportedly received their nomination receipts ahead of the Rajya Sabha election process. Nitish is expected to file his nomination later on Thursday.
Political speculation suggests that Nitish may file his nomination alongside Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Nabin. Union home minister Amit Shah is also expected to arrive in Patna and be present during the nomination process.
The announcement has sparked strong reactions among sections of JD(U) workers, many of whom gathered outside the chief minister’s official residence at 1 Aney Marg. Supporters raised slogans praising Nitish and urging him to remain in Bihar politics.
Several workers were seen expressing emotional opposition to the move, with some claiming they would not allow Nitish to leave the state’s leadership. Witnesses said protesters also confronted leaders attempting to enter the residence, including BJP minister Surendra Mehta, JD(U) MLC Sanjay Gandhi and JD(U) MLA Prem Mukhiya.
The developments have highlighted signs of unease within sections of the JD(U) over reports that Nitish may step down as chief minister if he moves to the Rajya Sabha. Some party leaders have publicly questioned the move, while others have said the final decision rests with Nitish.
An important meeting was held at the chief minister’s residence on Wednesday evening, attended by JD(U) national working president Sanjay Jha and minister Vijay Chaudhary. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chaudhary said the ultimate decision regarding Nitish’s political future would be taken by the chief minister himself.
