On Thursday, Kumar – as a nominee from the Janata Dal (United) – said he would run for the Rajya Sabha, and this started a lot of guessing as to who would replace him as chief minister of Bihar. The 75-year-old, who has been in politics for a long time, said he had always wanted to be in both houses of the Parliament, and both houses of the state government. He thanked the people of Bihar for the confidence and support they’d given him for more than twenty years, and said that because of them, Bihar was able to show a new level of growth and respect. Kumar also told his supporters that his connection to the people would not change.
Kumar’s announcement and why he made it
In a post on X, Kumar showed thanks and stated he had all along wanted to work in both of the Parliament’s houses, and both of the state’s legislative houses. He added that the support of the public had allowed Bihar to display a new level of growth and dignity. Kumar also gave his supporters the assurance that his connection with the people would not be broken.
राज्य सभा के लिए अपना नामांकन पत्र दाखिल किया। pic.twitter.com/R9mDOHUfYr
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) March 5, 2026
Kumar indicated he would give the next state government advice and help. Leaders in his party say he intends to hand in his Rajya Sabha application at the state assembly building, and may give up the post of chief minister once all the needed steps are done.
What this means for Bihar politics right away
Kumar moving to the Rajya Sabha could change the shape of the NDA which currently rules the state. If he steps down as chief minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party is generally thought to be in line for the job, because of the strength of its organisation and how well it has done in recent elections.
BJP leaders have begun talks amongst themselves and studies of the political situation to find someone who can keep the coalition stable. Any change at the top will put the power balance between the BJP and JD(U) to the test, and will have an effect on how the state is governed and who is put in charge of government departments.
Deciding who will be next: caste, women voters and what the alliance needs
How the different castes in Bihar vote will greatly affect any decision about a new chief minister. The Extremely Backward Classes – EBC – are still the most important group of voters in Bihar, and the NDA will probably pick a leader who will give that group of voters confidence, and keep social unity in the alliance.
Women voters and groups like self-help groups which helped the NDA in the 2025 election are another key thing to think about. The BJP is expected to take into account both caste numbers and what women want when it makes its choice, so as not to put off important voting groups.
How people in the JD(U) and the party itself are reacting
The announcement has led to protests from JD(U) workers, particularly in Nitish Kumar’s home district of Nalanda. Supporters collected outside his official home, asking him to remain as chief minister, and saying they feared the party might lose power if the BJP led the next government.
Leaders within the JD(U) gave mixed reactions. Some showed they accepted Kumar’s decision, while others expressed worries about who would take over and who would be chosen. Stories of debate about possible entries by members of the Kumar family have added to trouble inside the party, and made talks about the party’s long-term leadership more intense.
What will happen next: when the Rajya Sabha elections are and a time-line
Five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar will be fought for on March 16, with a number of terms coming to an end. Based on the current number of seats in the assembly, the NDA which is in power is likely to win all five seats. Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Nitin Nabin are among those likely to offer themselves as candidates.
If Kumar gets a Rajya Sabha seat and takes the oath, a change to a new chief minister could happen soon after. The move might also lower the daily pressures on Kumar, while letting him affect national politics and give advice to the NDA in Bihar from Delhi.
Conclusion
Nitish Kumar’s application to be a Rajya Sabha member marks a moment which could greatly change politics in Bihar. The decision is a mix of what Kumar wants for himself, and the need to manage the alliance, and raises questions right away about who will take over, caste groups, and the balance within the NDA. As the applications and the election happen, both parties will weigh up short-term stability against longer-term political plans.
