Nitish Kumar Announces Rajya Sabha Bid, Set to End Record Tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar
After leading Bihar since 2005, the JD(U) leader plans to enter the Upper House of Parliament as political changes unfold in the state.
Patna: Veteran politician and Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced that he will contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, a move that effectively brings his long tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar to an end.
Kumar has served as Bihar’s chief minister since 2005, making him the longest-serving leader to hold the post in the state. In a message to the public, he thanked the people of Bihar for their continued trust and support over the years.
He said that the faith shown by the people enabled his government to work with dedication and helped Bihar achieve a new phase of development and dignity. Kumar added that he remains grateful for the opportunity to serve the state for more than two decades.
The JD(U) leader also explained that since the beginning of his political career, he had hoped to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar legislature as well as both Houses of Parliament. Contesting the Rajya Sabha election now, he said, is part of fulfilling that long-held aspiration.
Kumar assured the public that even after stepping down from the chief minister’s role, his connection with the people of Bihar would remain strong. He also promised to continue working towards the development of the state and said the new government would have his full cooperation and guidance.
Following Kumar’s decision to step aside after the ruling National Democratic Alliance secured a decisive victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to take over as chief minister.
If that happens, Bihar could see its first BJP chief minister, making it the last major Hindi-heartland state where the party has not previously held the top post.
Meanwhile, five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar will go to the polls on March 16, with Thursday being the final day for filing nominations. Given the current strength of parties in the state assembly, Kumar’s election to the Upper House is considered almost certain.
