In a dramatic political development, Nitish Kumar on Thursday filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections, signaling what many believe is the beginning of a new political chapter in Bihar. The nomination was filed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, adding weight to speculation that a leadership change in the state is imminent.
Nitish Kumar had recently expressed his “wish to become a Rajya Sabha member,” and his formal entry into the race has intensified buzz that the BJP may soon appoint its own Chief Minister in Bihar — something it has not achieved in this key Hindi heartland state despite being part of the ruling alliance.
BJP’s Strong Position After Elections
The political shift did not come as a surprise to many observers. In the Assembly elections held less than four months ago, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party, winning 89 seats. It outperformed Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) for the second straight time since 2020.
With the BJP’s rising strength in the Assembly, the move to send Nitish Kumar to the Upper House is widely being viewed as a strategic transition, potentially paving the way for the BJP to finally claim the Chief Minister’s post in Bihar.
JD(U) Workers Protest in Patna
However, the development sparked anger within sections of JD(U). Earlier in the day, party supporters created a ruckus at the JD(U) office in Patna. Reports said some workers vandalised property, threw plates, and damaged a buffet counter that had been arranged for a gathering ahead of the expected visit of Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar. Videos circulating online showed broken dishes scattered inside the premises.
The unrest reflects dissatisfaction among grassroots workers who fear the party’s weakening position if the BJP assumes full control of the government.
BJP Dominates New Cabinet
The swearing-in ceremony of the new government clearly reflected BJP’s growing dominance. The party secured a majority of ministerial berths, including the crucial Home portfolio. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, several Union ministers, and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states.
Opposition Attacks Government
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav sharply criticised the developments. The Rashtriya Janata Dal leader alleged that the BJP had “done a Maharashtra in Bihar,” hinting at a political power shift engineered by the party.
Interestingly, Nitish Kumar, like RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, rose during the Mandal-era political wave of the 1990s that reshaped caste politics in Bihar. His transition now marks the possible end of an era.
Who Will Be the Next CM?
Speculation is growing that the BJP may choose a Chief Minister from the weaker sections to balance Bihar’s social equations. Among the names doing the rounds is Samrat Choudhary, whom Amit Shah had once promised to make “a big man” during the election campaign.
With Nitish Kumar stepping toward the Rajya Sabha, Bihar’s political landscape appears set for a historic power shift. All eyes are now on the BJP’s next move.
