Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is preparing to shift to national politics by filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament. The development has triggered intense political speculation over who will become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.
Kumar, who has dominated the state’s political landscape since 2005, is expected to make the move amid growing discussions within the ruling alliance. If he transitions to Parliament, it could mark the end of a leadership era spanning nearly two decades.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is the largest party in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, is widely seen as the natural claimant to the Chief Minister’s post if Kumar steps down.
Why Nitish Kumar May Move to Rajya Sabha
At 75, Kumar’s likely move to the Upper House is being viewed as a strategic and practical decision. Leading a politically complex and densely populated state like Bihar involves continuous administrative oversight, and a parliamentary role would significantly reduce day-to-day governance pressures.
He has also publicly stated in the past that he wished to serve in all four legislative forums — the Bihar Assembly, Bihar Legislative Council, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — completing a rare political milestone.
Despite the anticipated shift, Kumar has maintained that his commitment to Bihar’s development will remain unchanged.
Current Political Scenario in Bihar
Kumar continues to serve as Chief Minister and began his tenth term in November 2025 following the NDA’s electoral victory.
Apart from a brief period in 2015 when Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Chief Minister of Bihar, held office, Kumar has remained the central figure in the state’s governance.
However, with the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 16, Bihar could soon witness a significant leadership transition if he formally resigns after securing a seat in Parliament.
Why BJP Is Expected to Claim the CM Post
The BJP currently holds the strongest numerical position within the NDA in Bihar. Over the past several elections, the party has expanded its organisational and electoral footprint in the state.
Notably, Bihar remains the only major Hindi heartland state where the BJP has not independently held the Chief Minister’s post despite being part of the ruling alliance. Kumar’s departure could therefore open the door for the party to assume direct leadership.
Top Contenders for Bihar’s Next Chief Minister
Several senior BJP leaders are being discussed as possible successors.
Samrat Choudhary
Samrat Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, is widely regarded as a frontrunner. He manages key portfolios and is considered influential within both the state unit and the party’s central leadership.
Nityanand Rai
Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, is another prominent name. A former Bihar BJP president, he has strong organisational roots and significant support among party workers.
Vijay Kumar Sinha
Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and former Speaker of the Bihar Assembly, is also viewed as a serious contender due to his legislative experience and administrative background.
Other Names Under Discussion
Apart from the leading contenders, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, Bihar minister, and Sanjiv Chaurasia, BJP MLA from Bihar, are also being mentioned in political circles. However, the BJP is known for surprise leadership choices, and the final decision is expected only after internal consultations within the NDA.
Will Nishant Kumar Enter Active Politics?
Attention has also turned toward Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar, who has so far maintained a low political profile.
Speculation suggests he may formally enter the Janata Dal (United) before taking up a role within the party structure. If that happens, it would mark the first direct political involvement of a family member in Kumar’s long career and signal a generational shift within the JD(U).
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Why They Matter
The Rajya Sabha election will be conducted by elected members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, which has 243 members. Voting takes place under the proportional representation system.
With the NDA holding a comfortable majority in the Assembly, the alliance is expected to secure multiple seats. Kumar is likely to file his nomination alongside other alliance candidates.
No official resignation timeline has been announced yet. However, political observers believe he may continue in office until the parliamentary process concludes.
If he steps down, Bihar will enter a new political chapter — potentially under a BJP Chief Minister — bringing a significant shift in the state’s power structure after nearly 20 years of Kumar’s leadership.
For now, the state waits as internal discussions within the ruling alliance continue behind closed doors.
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