Nitish’s Rajya Sabha Move: Is a BJP-Led Government Next in Bihar?

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced his decision to seek membership in the Rajya Sabha which ended speculation about his continuation as the state's top executive. Kumar expressed his gratitude to Bihar residents through his social media post while he restated his political goals which he has held throughout his career.

Kumar stated in his political journey reflection,

“You have trusted me for more than two decades which has allowed me to serve Bihar and its people with complete dedication. Your support and trust allowed Bihar to achieve its current state of development and dignity which present a whole new dimension. I have expressed my gratitude to you many times in the past for this achievement.”

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

He further revealed that becoming a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislature and Parliament had been a long-cherished goal. “From the very beginning of my parliamentary journey, there has been a desire in my heart to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislature as well as both Houses of Parliament. In keeping with this aspiration, I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time,” Kumar stated.

Reassuring the public about his continued engagement in Bihar’s progress, the Chief Minister added,

“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. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance.”

Kumar made his announcement on the last day when candidates could submit their nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections. 

Political Implications

The current situation has initiated new political rumors within the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controls 89 MLAs in the Bihar Assembly which has 243 members while Kumar's Janata Dal (United) [JDU] controls 85 MLAs. Political sources have speculated that the BJP will promote Kumar to national politics while the party intends to take control of the Chief Minister position in Bihar.

According to reports, the BJP will take the Chief Minister position while the JDU will obtain two Deputy Chief Minister positions under the new power-sharing agreement.

There is increasing speculation about the potential political entry of Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar. He may start his public career through the Bihar Legislative Council according to sources who also claim he has a chance to become a minister or Deputy Chief Minister although no official statement has been made.

The announcement about Kumar's Rajya Sabha candidacy has created the expectation that Bihar will undergo major political changes in the upcoming period.

Also Read: Nitish Kumar Returns as Bihar CM for Record 10th Term, Hands Over Home Ministry to BJP