NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced his decision to step down from the state’s top job and head to the Rajya Sabha.In a social media post on X, Nitish said he had long harboured a desire to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislative Assembly as well as both Houses of Parliament. Big Bihar Surprise: CM Nitish Kumar To Contest Rajya Sabha Polls, BJP Set to Rule Bihar “For more than two decades, you have consistently placed your trust and support in me, and it is on the strength of that trust that we have served Bihar and all of you with complete dedication. It was the power of your faith and support that has enabled Bihar today to present a new dimension of development and dignity. For this, I have expressed my gratitude to you on several occasions in the past as well,” Nitish said.“From the very beginning of my parliamentary journey, I have harboured a desire to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislative Assembly as well as both Houses of Parliament. Israel attacks IranUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Powerful explosions rock IRGC naval base; Iran targets Kurdish groups’ HQ in IraqMark-48 torpedo: The lethal US submarine weapon that sent Iranian warship to the bottom of the Indian Ocean; how it worksMiddle East crisis: Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA fact-checks claimIn keeping with that aspiration, I seek to become a Member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections taking place this time. I wish to assure you with complete honesty that my bond with you will endure in the future as well, and my resolve to work alongside you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast as ever. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance,” he added.The post came less than four months after Nitish led the National Democratic Alliance to a sweeping victory in the Bihar polls. The veteran leader, who recently turned 75 and took oath for a record tenth term in November, is now set to move to the Rajya Sabha.With Nitish joining the Upper House, the door is open for the Bharatiya Janata Party to appoint its own chief minister in Bihar for the first time. According to leaders familiar with the discussions, Nitish will formally enter the Upper House once the new Rajya Sabha term begins after April 9, when outgoing members retire. The transition is seen within the NDA as a carefully timed change of guard that would allow a new leadership team to settle in before the next political cycle.Speculation has also grown over the political debut of Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar, who is expected to enter public life soon. While some within the alliance believe he could be considered for a deputy chief minister’s role, there is no clarity yet about his position or responsibilities.Potential successors include Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary and Union minister Nityanand Rai, both seen as strong contenders if the BJP takes over the top post, TOI earlier reported.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCanada PM Mark Carney Praises PM Modi As Highly Focused Leader, Hails UPI Success, Digital EconomyIndia Slams ‘Baseless’ Claim Of US Using Its Ports As Iran’s Warship Is Torpedoed In Indian OceanBig Bihar Surprise: CM Nitish Kumar To Contest Rajya Sabha Polls, BJP Set to Rule BiharMiddle East crisis Hits Aviation: 1,500 Flights Scrapped As Air India Ramps Up CapacityMeet The Sheshnaag-150: India’s Answer To Cheap One Way Attack DronesHoli Colors Light Up Philippines As Filipino-Indian Community Celebrates Festival Of UnityRahul Gandhi, Kejriwal, BJP Leaders Mix Festive Wishes With Sharp Attacks Amid Holi CelebrationsPakistan President Asif Zardari Claims India Preparing For War, Calls For DialogueIndia Set To Double S-400 Fleet But Is It Worth Against Israel’s Iron DomeFamilies Overjoyed as 200 Stranded Indians Land Home Safely Amid Middle East Tensions123PhotostoriesPotato Chips to Ice Cream Cone: 10 foods that were invented by accident and howYezdi Roadster Red Wolf in images: All you need to knowMark Zuckerberg buys $170 million mansion in Miami: A look into a tech billionaire’s ultra-luxury abodeBefore ‘Toxic’: The Kannada daily soaps that shaped pan-India star Yash’s early careerTop 7 tallest buildings in New YorkTourists beware: Strict international laws abroad that can land tourists in serious troubleBaby names inspired by victory and success7 effective ways to keep pigeons away from balcony and windowsFriday OTT releases (March 6, 2026): 7 new movies from ‘Gandhi Talks,’ ‘Baby Girl’ to ‘Granny’Who wore what at Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok’s flashy pre-wedding party123Hot PicksIran war newsGold rate todayMiddle East CrisisNitish KumarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingAP SSC Hall TicketsNFL RumorsJhoan DuranT20 World CupBengaluru Cab Driver TheftNancy GrewalMiddle East CrisisIsrael Iran ConflictUS SubmarineSchool Holiday in March
NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced his decision to step down from the state’s top job and head to the Rajya Sabha.In a social media post on X, Nitish said he had long harboured a desire to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislative Assembly as well as both Houses of Parliament.
“For more than two decades, you have consistently placed your trust and support in me, and it is on the strength of that trust that we have served Bihar and all of you with complete dedication. It was the power of your faith and support that has enabled Bihar today to present a new dimension of development and dignity. For this, I have expressed my gratitude to you on several occasions in the past as well,” Nitish said.“From the very beginning of my parliamentary journey, I have harboured a desire to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislative Assembly as well as both Houses of Parliament. In keeping with that aspiration, I seek to become a Member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections taking place this time. I wish to assure you with complete honesty that my bond with you will endure in the future as well, and my resolve to work alongside you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast as ever. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance,” he added.The post came less than four months after Nitish led the National Democratic Alliance to a sweeping victory in the Bihar polls. The veteran leader, who recently turned 75 and took oath for a record tenth term in November, is now set to move to the Rajya Sabha.With Nitish joining the Upper House, the door is open for the Bharatiya Janata Party to appoint its own chief minister in Bihar for the first time. According to leaders familiar with the discussions, Nitish will formally enter the Upper House once the new Rajya Sabha term begins after April 9, when outgoing members retire. The transition is seen within the NDA as a carefully timed change of guard that would allow a new leadership team to settle in before the next political cycle.Speculation has also grown over the political debut of Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar, who is expected to enter public life soon. While some within the alliance believe he could be considered for a deputy chief minister’s role, there is no clarity yet about his position or responsibilities.Potential successors include Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary and Union minister Nityanand Rai, both seen as strong contenders if the BJP takes over the top post, TOI earlier reported.
