Nitish Kumar, who has served as the central figure in Bihar’s politics for nearly two decades, is preparing to move to the Rajya Sabha. The move represents a change in position in his political career. Reports attribute the decision to factors including health considerations, a preference for a less active political role, and preparations for leadership transition within the party.
For nearly 20 years, Nitish Kumar has remained at the centre of Bihar’s political landscape. Governments changed, alliances shifted, and elections came and went, but except for a brief period, the office of Chief Minister remained with Nitish Kumar. Since 2005, he has played a central role in shaping the state’s political direction and has now begun preparations to enter the Rajya Sabha.
The development is expected to bring changes to the state’s political dynamics. Election data and political developments in recent years indicate that Bihar’s political environment has consistently been influenced by shifting alliances and evolving power arrangements.
Nitish Kumar as a central figure in Bihar politics for two decades
Nitish Kumar has remained a prominent figure in Bihar’s politics for nearly two decades. Since 2005, he has led successive governments in the state and has repeatedly served as Chief Minister. Although political alliances changed at different times, his position in the state’s politics remained significant. After the 2020 Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the largest party in the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar. Despite this, Nitish Kumar continued as Chief Minister.
Two factors have been cited for this development. One factor is Nitish Kumar’s social support base and voter constituency. He established support among the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) and women voters in Bihar. Policies such as prohibition and welfare schemes for women contributed to this support base, which has been considered important for electoral success in the state.
Another factor cited is the role of trust and experience within the alliance. Following the 2020 election results, Bharatiya Janata Party leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stated that Nitish Kumar would continue as Chief Minister. The statement was presented as part of alliance coordination and governance continuity in the state.
Reasons cited for Rajya Sabha move
According to reports, at the age of 75, Nitish Kumar is considering a political role that requires less active administrative engagement. The Rajya Sabha could provide a parliamentary platform while allowing him to continue his political involvement.
The move is also being viewed as part of preparations for leadership transition within the party. Discussions have indicated that Nishant Kumar, the son of Nitish Kumar, may enter active politics in the future. His possible entry is being discussed as part of internal party succession considerations.
Opposition party Rashtriya Janata Dal has expressed a different view on the development. Leaders of the party have claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party is gradually sidelining Nitish Kumar. Political discussions have also indicated that if the Chief Minister’s position becomes vacant, the Bharatiya Janata Party could have the opportunity to appoint its own Chief Minister in Bihar, which could increase the party’s control within the state government.
