New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections on Thursday, indicating a major shift in the state’s political landscape.
The Janata Dal (United) chief submitted his nomination papers at the Bihar Assembly secretariat in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The papers were filed at the office of Assembly Secretary Khyati Singh.
Earlier in the day, Kumar announced his decision to contest the Rajya Sabha election, saying it was the only legislative House of which he had not been a member so far. In a post on social media platform X, he said he wished to complete his parliamentary journey by serving in the Upper House.
Kumar, the longest-serving chief minister of Bihar, has held the top post since 2005. His move to enter the Rajya Sabha is expected to mark the end of his tenure as chief minister.
Political developments following his decision could lead to a leadership change in the state. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may appoint a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party as the next chief minister, while Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar is being discussed as a possible candidate for the deputy chief minister’s post.
Earlier, Bihar minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary had confirmed that Kumar was considering a move to the Rajya Sabha. Elections for five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar are scheduled for March 16, and Thursday was the last day for filing nominations.
According to the current strength of the Bihar Assembly, Kumar’s election to the Upper House is widely expected.
