Nitish Kumar to Rajya Sabha: Amit Shah Meets CM to Finalize Bihar Succession

New Delhi, March 5, 2026 – The political landscape of Bihar is witnessing a seismic shift today as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President Nitin Nabin arrived at the official residence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The high-profile meeting at 1, Aney Marg comes amid a flurry of activity surrounding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with all signs pointing toward a historic transition in the state’s leadership.

The Great Succession: From CM House to Parliament

In a move that has stunned many and confirmed weeks of speculation, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar officially announced his intention to move to the Upper House. In a heartfelt post on social media, the veteran leader expressed his lifelong desire to serve in all four legislative bodies of India: the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the Legislative Council, the Lok Sabha, and now, the Rajya Sabha.

“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,” Kumar stated, marking the end of his record-breaking tenure as Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister.

Amit Shah and Nitin Nabin’s Strategic Visit

The presence of Amit Shah in Patna underscores the national importance of this transition. Alongside BJP’s recently appointed National President, Nitin Nabin, the Home Minister is expected to oversee the filing of nomination papers for the NDA candidates.

Sources indicate that the meeting is not just about the Rajya Sabha nominations but also about finalizing the succession plan for Bihar. With Nitish Kumar stepping down, the BJP is poised to claim the Chief Ministerial post in Bihar for the first time in history.

Key Highlights of the Day

• Nomination Filing: Nitish Kumar and Nitin Nabin are expected to file their nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM today.
• A New Era for Bihar: Speculation is rife regarding the next Chief Minister. Names currently doing the rounds include Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, as well as Union Minister Nityanand Rai.
• JD(U) Internal Shift: In a significant development for the “Nitish legacy,” his son, Nishant Kumar, is rumored to be entering active politics, potentially taking on a senior role within the JD(U) or the state cabinet to ensure party continuity.
• The Numbers Game: For the five Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in Bihar, the NDA is aiming for a clean sweep, bolstered by their landslide victory in the 2025 Assembly elections where they secured 202 seats.

Public Sentiment and Protests

While the atmosphere inside 1, Aney Marg is one of strategic planning, the scene outside is more emotional. Groups of JD(U) workers have gathered, raising slogans of “Nitish Kumar Zindabad.” Many supporters expressed reluctance to see their leader leave the state’s top post, citing his transformative “Sushasan” (good governance) over the last two decades.

What’s Next?

Following the nomination filing, a JD(U) Legislative Party meeting is scheduled where Nitish Kumar is expected to formally announce his resignation to his MLAs. This will pave the way for the NDA to elect a new leader of the legislative party, who will then stake a claim to form the government.

The transition marks a pivotal moment for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), shifting the balance of power within the coalition and setting the stage for a new political chapter in Bihar as it heads toward the March 16 polling date.