PATNA, Mar 5: JD(U) president Nitish Kumar on Thursday confirmed that he will contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, effectively marking the end of his long tenure as the Chief Minister of Bihar.
Kumar, who has led the state government since 2005 and is the longest serving chief minister in Bihar’s history, expressed gratitude to the people for their continued support over the years.
In a message addressed to the public, he said the trust reposed in him for more than two decades enabled his government to work with dedication and bring development and dignity to the state.
Kumar noted that since the beginning of his political journey in Parliament, he had aspired to serve in both Houses of the Bihar legislature as well as both Houses of Parliament. He said contesting the current Rajya Sabha election is in line with that long-standing ambition.
Reassuring the public, the veteran leader said his connection with the people would remain unchanged and that he would continue contributing to Bihar’s progress. He also stated that the new government to be formed in the state would receive his complete cooperation and guidance.
Kumar’s decision comes months after the ruling NDA secured a sweeping mandate in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. With his likely exit from the chief minister’s office, a BJP leader is expected to take charge of the state government.
If that happens, Bihar may witness its first chief minister from the BJP, making it the only major Hindi-belt state where the party has not previously held the top executive post.
Five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar are scheduled to go to polls on March 16, with Thursday being the final date for filing nominations. Given the current strength of parties in the state assembly, Kumar’s election to the Upper House is considered virtually assured.