PATNA – In a significant move marking the end of an era in Bihar politics, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned from the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) on Monday, March 30, 2026. The resignation was submitted to Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh, fulfilling a constitutional requirement following his unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha on March 16.
Under the Prohibition of Simultaneous Membership Rules, a member elected to both Parliament and a State Legislature must vacate one seat within 14 days. Today marked the final deadline for the transition.
The Road to the Rajya Sabha
Nitish Kumar, the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister, is expected to take his oath as a Member of Parliament on April 9 or 10, 2026, once the current terms for the vacant seats expire.
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A Legislative Milestone: Having previously served as an MLA, Lok Sabha MP, and MLC, Kumar noted that a term in the Rajya Sabha completes his journey through every legislative house in India.
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National Role: While he plans to maintain his political base in Patna, he will transition to a national role in New Delhi, though his specific involvement in the Union Cabinet remains unconfirmed.
Succession Buzz in Bihar
While Nitish Kumar remains the caretaker Chief Minister for the moment, his departure has triggered intense speculation regarding his successor.
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Samrat Choudhary: The current Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader is widely considered the frontrunner. During his recent Samriddhi Yatra, Kumar publicly signaled his support for Choudhary, urging the public to report developmental progress directly to him.
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Nishant Kumar: There is also growing buzz within the JD(U) regarding the Chief Minister’s son, Nishant Kumar, who recently entered active politics. Some party members have suggested him as a potential successor to maintain his father’s legacy.
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Nitin Nabin: In a parallel move, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, also elected to the Rajya Sabha, has resigned from his position as an MLA from the Bankipur constituency.
A formal announcement regarding the new Chief Minister and the formation of the next NDA government in Bihar is expected in the first half of April, coinciding with Kumar’s official swearing-in at the capital.
