Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to submit his nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections on Thursday, senior leaders from Janata Dal (United) indicated. The nomination is likely to be filed at the Bihar Legislative Assembly complex around 11 a.m.
Alongside Kumar, Bihar BJP president Nitin Nabin is also set to file his nomination for the Upper House elections. Sources within the ruling alliance said that Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, may attend the nomination process.
Speculation about Kumar’s possible move to the Rajya Sabha intensified after state minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary confirmed on Wednesday that the chief minister was considering a shift to Parliament’s Upper House. If the development materialises, it would conclude Kumar’s long tenure as Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister.
Political observers say the move could signal a leadership change in the state. After guiding the National Democratic Alliance to a sweeping win in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Kumar is widely believed to be preparing to hand over the chief minister’s post. In such a scenario, the BJP could install its first chief minister in Bihar, marking a significant milestone for the party in the Hindi heartland.
Despite strong indications, there has been no formal confirmation yet regarding Kumar’s entry into the Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile, elections for five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar are scheduled for March 16. The vacancies arise as the terms of Harivansh Narayan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur from JD(U), Prem Chand Gupta and Amarendra Dhari Singh from Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Upendra Kushwaha of Rashtriya Lok Morcha are coming to an end.
Based on the current strength in the state assembly, the ruling NDA is well positioned to secure all five seats.
Before heading to file his nomination, BJP state chief Nabin is expected to visit the revered Mahavir Mandir to offer prayers, following a long-standing tradition among candidates seeking electoral success.
