Nitish’s Exit May Hand BJP Bihar’s Top Post

• Nitish Kumar likely to step down as Bihar Chief Minister to enter Rajya Sabha
• BJP leader expected to become CM for the first time in Bihar
• Nishant Kumar may debut in politics as Deputy Chief Minister
• New Cabinet likely to include JD(U) and NDA allies

GG News Bureau
Patna, 6th March: Bihar may soon witness a major political shift as Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar is likely to step down as Chief Minister to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, according to sources.

If the development materialises, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to take over as Chief Minister for the first time in the state’s history. Bihar has traditionally been governed by leaders from the JD(U) or the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

Sources indicated that the new government is likely to have one Deputy Chief Minister, with Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar emerging as a probable candidate for the position. If appointed, it would mark his entry into active politics.

The new Bihar Cabinet is expected to include around 15 ministers from the JD(U). In addition, two ministers from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and one each from the Rashtriya Lok Morcha and the Hindustani Awam Morcha are also likely to be included, sources said.

A BJP leader is also expected to continue as the Speaker of the Bihar Assembly.

Nitish Kumar has called a meeting of JD(U) MPs and senior party leaders later today to discuss the developments.

The move comes after Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections on Thursday. The 75-year-old leader, who has served as Bihar’s longest-tenured Chief Minister for more than two decades, was sworn in for a record tenth term as Chief Minister just four months ago.

Announcing his decision on social media platform X, Kumar said he would seek election to the Rajya Sabha and continue contributing to the state’s development.

“I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast,” he said.

He also said that the new government would receive his full cooperation and guidance.

Along with Nitish Kumar, BJP leader Nitin Nabin, Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur of the JD(U), Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha and BJP state general secretary Shivesh Kumar have also filed nominations for the Rajya Sabha polls.

Polling for the Rajya Sabha elections for 37 seats across ten states is scheduled for March 16, with counting of votes to take place the same day.