Political tension gripped Patna on Thursday as supporters of Nitish Kumar gathered outside his official residence amid growing speculation that he may step down as Bihar’s Chief Minister and shift to the Rajya Sabha.
As Nitish Kumar prepares to file his nomination papers for the Upper House, rumours of a possible resignation have sparked emotional reactions within his party, the Janata Dal (United). Workers raised slogans in his support and opposed reports suggesting that he could leave the Chief Minister’s post after nearly two decades in power.
Protest Outside CM Residence
The gathering soon turned tense when party workers allegedly stopped JD(U) leader Krishna Murari Sharan from entering the Chief Minister’s residence. Several supporters said they were unhappy with the reports of Kumar’s possible exit, arguing that the people of Bihar had voted in his name during the 2025 Assembly elections.
Speaking to IANS, one worker said, “We sought votes in every village in the name of Nitish Kumar. Since this news spread yesterday, Holi was not celebrated anywhere. Nishant Kumar should be sent to the Rajya Sabha, and Nitish Kumar should continue the work for which the people gave him their mandate.”
Another worker echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The mandate in 2025 was given in the name of Nitish Kumar. There should be no betrayal of that mandate.”
Major Political Shift Ahead?
If Nitish Kumar moves to the Rajya Sabha, it would mark a dramatic shift in Bihar politics. For the first time in recent years, the state could see a Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party, the senior partner in the ruling alliance.
The speculation has surprised many observers because Kumar took oath as Chief Minister for the 10th time in November, and stepping down just four months later would be unexpected.
There is also renewed discussion around his son, Nishant Kumar, possibly entering politics — an idea that Kumar had previously resisted.
Health Concerns and Opposition Attack
Nitish Kumar, popularly known as “Susashan Babu,” is 75 years old and has long been the face of governance in Bihar. In recent years, however, some of his public appearances have gone viral, prompting the opposition to question his health and leadership capacity.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and his party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, have repeatedly targeted Kumar over these concerns.
Who Could Be the Next CM?
Political circles are buzzing with names of possible successors. Among those being discussed are Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Nityanand Rai, and Bihar minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal.
Analysts believe the leadership transition, if it happens, could be part of a carefully planned strategy between the BJP and JD(U), keeping long-term political calculations in mind.
For now, all eyes are on Nitish Kumar’s Rajya Sabha nomination and whether it signals the end of an era in Bihar politics.
