Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Confirms Joining Rajya Sabha, Promises Continued Support to State

Just four months into his historic 10th stint as Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar has confirmed his intention to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, triggering a flurry of speculation about who might replace him at the helm of the state.

In an emotional message shared on X ahead of filing his nomination, the JD(U) chief expressed deep gratitude toward the people of Bihar for their unwavering faith in him over the years.

"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," he said in Hindi.

Kumar framed the move as the fulfilment of a long-held personal ambition rather than a retreat from state politics. "From the very beginning of my parliamentary journey, I have harboured a desire to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislature as well as 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 wrote.

Attempting to allay concerns among his supporters, he pledged continued involvement in Bihar's development. "I wish to assure you with complete honesty that my bond with you will endure in the future as well, and my resolve to work alongside you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast," he added, promising "full cooperation and guidance" to the incoming state government.

Should he win, Kumar would join an exclusive club of leaders who have served in all four legislative bodies, having already been a member of the Bihar Assembly, Legislative Council, and Lok Sabha.

Kumar is likely to continue as Chief Minister until the Rajya Sabha election on 16 March.

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