Patna/New Delhi, March 5, 2026: In a dramatic turn of events unfolding through the night in Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appears set to step down from the state’s top job and transition to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for a potential BJP Chief Minister in the NDA-ruled state.
Sources close to both the JD(U) and BJP indicated late Wednesday that Kumar, 75, has “signed the papers” for his Rajya Sabha nomination, with filing expected on Thursday, March 5—the deadline for candidatures ahead of the upper house polls. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s planned visit to Patna on Thursday is tied to these developments, including the nomination of BJP state president Nitin Nabin.
The move, long speculated due to Kumar’s reported health deterioration, gained momentum despite efforts by senior JD(U) leaders, party members, and family to dissuade him during intense meetings at his residence. One source described the atmosphere as a “long night” of persuasion, while opposition voices were swift to condemn the speculation. RJD MP Manoj Jha likened any abrupt exit to the “abduction of the Venezuelan President,” signaling deep skepticism and political opportunism.
Kumar’s health has been cited as a key factor forcing the leadership’s hand. Insiders noted “serious health issues” and a widespread perception that bureaucracy has been steering Bihar’s administration in recent months. This comes mere months after the NDA’s resounding victory in the November 2025 Assembly elections, where the alliance secured 202 of 243 seats—BJP with 89 and JD(U) surging to 85 under Kumar’s campaign leadership.
If Kumar proceeds to the Rajya Sabha (with outgoing terms ending in April), he is expected to resign as CM post-election or soon after, though timing remains fluid. Sources emphasized a “smooth transition” beneficial for the NDA, allowing a more “responsive” government with nearly five years left in the term and three years until the next Lok Sabha polls.
The succession plan reportedly favors a BJP Chief Minister—potentially from figures like Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary or Vijay Kumar Sinha, Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal, or others—ending BJP’s long wait for the top post in Bihar. JD(U) could retain influence with two Deputy CMs, including Vijay Kumar Choudhary and possibly Nitish’s son Nishant Kumar, who is making his formal political entry amid party calls for him to “work for the party.”
JD(U) minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary acknowledged ongoing talks about Kumar’s Rajya Sabha move but stressed the “final call” rests with the veteran leader himself. No official confirmation has come from JD(U) or BJP, with key figures like national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha remaining unavailable for comment.
The timing has surprised observers, arriving just before assembly election notifications in other states and amid Kumar’s enduring legacy as Bihar’s longest-serving CM, known for administrative reforms and strong support among women voters.
As Patna awaits clarity on Thursday, this potential shift marks a pivotal moment for the NDA in Bihar—balancing continuity, health realities, and ambitions for stronger central control in the state.
