Nitish Kumar To Resign From Bihar Legislative Council Tomorrow After Rajya Sabha Win

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to resign from the Bihar Legislative Council on Monday, days after being elected to the Rajya Sabha, marking a major political transition in the state and potentially paving the way for the BJP to install its own chief minister in Bihar for the first time.

JD(U) MLA Anant Kumar Singh confirmed the development, saying Nitish remained firm on stepping away from the chief minister's post despite internal appeals to reconsider.

JD(U) Confirms Nitish Kumar's Resignation Move

Confirming the resignation, JD(U) MLA Anant Kumar Singh said, "Yes, he is doing so. Everyone wanted the same (that he should not resign from the CM post), but he did not agree."

The statement underlines that there was resistance within the party over Nitish Kumar's decision to leave the top post in Bihar. However, the veteran leader appears determined to move ahead with his long-planned transition to national politics through the Rajya Sabha.

The resignation from the Legislative Council is expected to formally clear the path for his exit from the state's executive leadership.

Nitish Kumar Had Announced Rajya Sabha Shift Earlier This Month

On March 5, Nitish Kumar had publicly announced his intention to step down as Bihar chief minister and seek entry into the Rajya Sabha.

In a post on X, the JD(U) supremo explained that the move was tied to a long-standing personal and political aspiration. He wrote, "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 added, "It was the power of your faith 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 on several occasions in the past as well."

Nitish also described his Rajya Sabha bid as the fulfilment of a long-held goal in his parliamentary journey.

'Desire in My Heart': Nitish Explains His Decision

Explaining the thinking behind the move, Nitish Kumar said, "From the very beginning of my parliamentary journey, I have harboured a desire to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislative Assembly 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 further sought to reassure supporters that his departure from the chief minister's chair would not mean a withdrawal from Bihar politics.

"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 as ever. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," he added.

His remarks suggested that while he may be leaving office, he still intends to remain an influential figure in Bihar's political landscape and in the functioning of the next government.

BJP Could Get First Chance to Appoint Its Own Bihar Chief Minister

Nitish Kumar's transition comes less than four months after he led the National Democratic Alliance to a sweeping victory in the Bihar Assembly elections.

The senior leader, who recently turned 75, had taken oath for a record tenth term as chief minister in November. His decision to move to the Rajya Sabha now opens a significant new chapter in Bihar politics.

With Nitish heading to the Upper House, the BJP may now get an opportunity to appoint its own chief minister in Bihar for the first time, a development that could alter the balance of power within the NDA in the state.

As Bihar prepares for a leadership change, all eyes will now be on the BJP and NDA allies over who will succeed Nitish Kumar in the chief minister's chair.