Bihar’s political landscape is set for a transition following Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to move to the Rajya Sabha, but according to sources, no immediate decision has been taken on who will
replace him as the next chief minister.
Top Janata Dal (United) sources told CNN-News18 that the chief minister’s post will become vacant only after April 10, and a call on the successor is unlikely before next month.
Kumar is expected to take the oath as a Rajya Sabha member only after that date, effectively paving the way for the leadership transition in the state.
Sources also indicated that even after moving to Parliament, Kumar will continue to keep Patna as his political base and travel to New Delhi only during Parliament sessions.
At present, there are no discussions within the alliance about Kumar joining the Union Cabinet.
According to insiders, the decision to send Kumar to the Rajya Sabha had been under consideration for some time due to concerns about his deteriorating health.
Despite these concerns, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had initially decided to continue with Kumar as Chief Minister because the recent election campaign was fought in his name and the mandate was sought on the promise of the governance model associated with his leadership.
However, sources said his health has worsened over the past few months, prompting discussions within the leadership on a transition.
In closed-door meetings with close aides, Kumar is understood to have expressed his desire to move to the Upper House.
When the opportunity arose, the NDA leadership decided to send him to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for what party leaders describe as a dignified transition.
BJP LIKELY TO GET CM POST, JD(U) TWO DEPUTY CMs
As part of the power-sharing understanding between the BJP and JD(U), sources said the BJP will get the chief minister’s post while JD(U) will have two deputy chief ministers in the new government.
According to the arrangement worked out between the alliance partners, the structure has been designed primarily to ensure that the Home portfolio remains with the chief minister.
Sources further said that in the new cabinet formation, JD(U) is likely to get 14 ministerial berths while the BJP is expected to have 13, including the chief minister. This broadly follows the earlier power-sharing formula, though JD(U) had one berth fewer previously.
Nitish Kumar is also expected to hold a meeting with party leaders, including MPs, MLAs and key office-bearers, to explain his decision and outline the way forward for the party.
Sources added that Kumar is likely to emphasise during the meeting that he will remain the guiding force in Bihar politics until at least 2030.
He is also expected to reassure party leaders that while he will serve in the Rajya Sabha and travel to Delhi for parliamentary duties, he is not stepping away from Bihar’s political landscape.
NISHANT KUMAR MAY ENTER POLITICS
Another key development that could shape the party’s future is the possible entry of Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, into active politics.
Sources indicated that Nishant Kumar is likely to soon be formally inducted into the JD(U) and could be considered for the post of deputy chief minister in the new government.
The move could mark a significant shift in the party’s internal dynamics and signal a generational transition within the JD(U), even as Nitish Kumar continues to remain politically influential.
NITISH FILES RAJYA SABHA NOMINATION
On Thursday, Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections, marking a major development in Bihar politics.
Kumar announced his decision publicly and assured that the new government would receive his full support and guidance.
“I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast,” Kumar mentioned in a message shared on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also welcomed Kumar’s move and said his tenure as Bihar Chief Minister would be remembered as a “golden chapter” in the state’s history.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticised the decision, with Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav alleging that the BJP had “hijacked” Kumar and that the change in leadership went against the aspirations of the people of Bihar.
