Nitish Kumar to Resign as Bihar CM, Will Contest Rajya Sabha Polls

In a major political announcement, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar has declared that he will step down from his post and contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. His decision signals a significant leadership change in the state and could reshape the political balance within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Nitish Kumar said he has long wished to serve in all four legislative houses — the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the Bihar Legislative Council, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament. By contesting this election, he aims to fulfil that personal political milestone.

“People’s Trust Gave Me Strength”

Addressing the people of Bihar, Nitish Kumar thanked them for their continued support over more than two decades. He said their faith gave him the strength to work for development and governance reforms in the state.

He assured citizens that even after stepping down as Chief Minister, he will continue contributing to Bihar’s progress and will extend full cooperation and guidance to the new government that takes charge.

BJP Likely to Lead Government

The move comes months after the NDA returned to power in the 2025 Assembly elections under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. With his exit from the Chief Minister’s chair, the BJP is expected to stake claim to the top post in Bihar. If that happens, it would mark the first time the BJP leads the government in the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to be present when Nitish Kumar files his nomination papers.

Rajya Sabha Elections on March 16

According to the Election Commission of India, elections for five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar will be held on March 16. The polls are taking place as the terms of sitting members — Harivansh Narayan Singh, Ram Nath Thakur, Prem Chand Gupta, Amarendra Dhari Singh and Upendra Kushwaha — are ending.

Rajya Sabha members are elected by MLAs of the respective state assemblies through a system of proportional representation.

With the NDA holding a strong majority in the Bihar Assembly, the alliance is expected to win all five seats.

Joining a Rare Political Club

If elected, Nitish Kumar will join a small group of Bihar leaders who have served in all four legislative houses. So far, he has been a member of the Bihar Assembly, the Legislative Council and the Lok Sabha, but never the Rajya Sabha.

Former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and late BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi had earlier achieved this rare distinction.

With this decision, Bihar politics is entering a new phase. Attention now turns to who will become the next Chief Minister and how the NDA will manage the transition in the coming days.