Only four months after being sworn in for a record tenth time as Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, the move escalating heightened political activity in Patna.
A key figure in Bihar politics for nearly two decades, Kumar’s possible move to Delhi could reshape the ruling NDA’s leadership structure in the state.
“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 trust 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 many times in the past as well,” Kumar posted on X.
“From the very beginning of my parliamentary journey, there has been a desire in my heart to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislature as well as both Houses of Parliament. In keeping with this aspiration, I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time,” he added.
“I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance,” he said.
The last day for filling nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections is Thursday. Kumar’s son, Nishat, is all set to join the JD(U), likely as a deputy chief minister.
Kumar’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha comes in the wake of the NDA’s sweeping victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, after which he was sworn in as chief minister on November 20, 2025, at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers from NDA-ruled states.
The filling of nomination was done at the State Assembly, where Nitish was accompanied by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, and other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidates.
In a message released ahead of his nomination, the Janata Dal (United) supremo thanked the people of Bihar for their sustained support, noting that their trust had enabled him to serve the state for more than two decades.
“From the very beginning of my parliamentary journey, I have harbored a desire to become a member of both houses of the Bihar Legislature and 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,” he said in a post on X in Hindi.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Union minister Giriraj Singh, refuting the speculations, said that jokes are common on Holi.
