Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP, Confirms Bihar To Get New CM In 3-4 Days

Nitish Kumar on Friday took oath as a Rajya Sabha member, marking a major shift in Bihar politics just months after he was sworn in as Chief Minister for a record 10th term. The Janata Dal (United) chief's move to the Upper House has triggered intense speculation over the state's leadership transition, with the BJP now set to stake claim for its first Chief Minister in Bihar as part of the ruling NDA arrangement.

Nitish Kumar Confirms Transition To Delhi Role

A day before taking oath in Parliament, Nitish Kumar had travelled to New Delhi and made it clear that his tenure as Bihar Chief Minister is nearing its end. Speaking to reporters, he said he believes he has completed much of his work in the state and now wants to focus on his responsibilities in the national capital.

"I have accomplished a lot of work in Bihar. Now I felt that I should remain here," Kumar said.

He further confirmed that he would soon vacate the Chief Minister's post and allow a new leadership team to take charge in Bihar.

"I will step down from my role there and work here. I will resign in three or four days. New individuals will be appointed as Chief Minister and Ministers."

Oath In Rajya Sabha Sparks Big Political Shift In Bihar

Nitish Kumar's elevation to the Rajya Sabha came as a surprise when it was announced last month, but Friday's oath-taking has now formally set the stage for a significant power transition in Bihar. Following his election to the Upper House, he resigned as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council.

While he has now entered Parliament, there is still no official clarity on the exact date of his resignation as Chief Minister. Senior JD(U) leader Shravan Kumar said constitutional provisions permit a person to continue as Chief Minister for up to six months even after being elected to the Rajya Sabha, offering some flexibility in the transition timeline.

Even so, Nitish Kumar's own remarks suggest the change at the top could happen within days.

BJP Set To Eye First Chief Minister In Bihar

Nitish Kumar's move is politically significant not only for JD(U) but also for the BJP, its alliance partner in Bihar. With Kumar preparing to step aside, the BJP is now poised to potentially get its first Chief Minister in the state, a landmark moment for the party in Bihar's contemporary political history.

The development comes after the NDA registered a dominant victory in the Bihar Assembly elections held last November. In that contest, the BJP emerged as the largest party in the alliance, with JD(U) finishing second, as the coalition returned to power with a landslide mandate.

That electoral arithmetic has made the BJP's claim to the top post stronger in the current phase of transition.

From Bihar's Longest-Serving CM To A New National Role

Nitish Kumar remains one of India's most seasoned political leaders and Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister. His political journey began as an MLA in 1985, before he went on to serve as a Union Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

He first became Bihar Chief Minister in 2005 and has since remained a central figure in the state's politics across multiple terms and shifting alliances. His latest move to the Rajya Sabha signals what could be the beginning of a new chapter, with a larger focus on national politics and parliamentary responsibilities.

With his oath now complete and resignation remarks already on record, all eyes are on Bihar as the state waits for an official announcement on who will replace him and lead the next NDA government in Patna.