PATNA/NEW DELHI — In a move that signals a seismic shift in Bihar’s political landscape, sources indicate that Nitish Kumar, the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister, is set to resign from his post and transition to central politics via the Rajya Sabha.
The 75-year-old veteran leader is expected to file his nomination for the Upper House tomorrow in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This transition marks the conclusion of a historic tenure that saw Kumar take the oath of office a record 10 times.
The New Leadership Structure
According to top sources within the JD(U) and BJP alliance, the governance of Bihar is poised for a total restructuring:
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Chief Minister: A candidate from the BJP is expected to take the helm, placing the party in the “driving seat” of the state for the first time in years.
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Deputy Chief Minister: Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar, is slated to take over as Deputy CM, marking his formal entry into high-level state administration.
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Timing: The resignation could occur as early as next week, following the Rajya Sabha nomination process.
Frontrunners for the Chief Minister’s Post
While the BJP is known for “springing surprises” with its leadership choices, three names have emerged as the primary contenders:
| Candidate | Current Role | Key Strength |
| Samrat Choudhary | Deputy CM & Home Minister | Influential OBC leader; strong organizational grip. |
| Nityanand Rai | Union MoS (Home Affairs) | Close confidant of Amit Shah; represents the Yadav community. |
| Sanjeev Chaurasia | MLA, Patna Digha | Strong local legislative presence and party loyalty. |
The Legacy of the “Chanakya” of Bihar
Nitish Kumar’s departure follows a storied career defined by his “social engineering” and ability to maintain a solid support base—particularly among women voters—despite frequent shifts in political alliances.
However, insiders suggest that the move was necessitated by a desire within the BJP to lead the state directly, coupled with concerns regarding Kumar’s health and the natural progression of leadership after the 2025 assembly elections.
“It is time to mourn. Everything had been decided in Delhi,” said a close aide of Kumar, reflecting the somber mood among some JD(U) loyalists regarding the transition.
