Marking the end of an era, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (March 5, 2026), in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He was accompanied by the other four candidates of the ruling National Democratic Alliance, including BJP national president Nitin Nabin, who filed their papers for the five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar becoming vacant on April 9.
Nitish Kumar’s political journey: From rebellion to longest-serving CM
As the Opposition mocked Mr. Kumar for becoming a “puppet of the BJP”, accusing him of betraying the electoral mandate, rumours buzzed within the NDA about who would succeed him in Patna, with discussions about the Janata Dal (United) chief’s son being given the Deputy CM role under a BJP CM.
As Nitish Kumar eyes Rajya Sabha seat, political buzz over change in Bihar leadership mounts
Confirming speculation about the end of his 20-year rule in Bihar with a post on social media, Mr. Kumar declared that he had a “desire in his heart” to become a member of both the Houses of Parliament. As he has previously been a Lok Sabha MP, he now “seeks” to become a member of the Rajya Sabha, he said.
