Billions of stories are circulating in Bihar’s political corridors, the closest we have in years to hear about a leadership transition. Sources have said Kumar, the state’s oldest and longest-serving Chief Minister, could soon resign to step into a national role through the Rajya Sabha. This possible "Big Rejig" will happen on the night of the upcoming March 16, 2026 Rajya Sabha elections and before with a "son-rise" in the Janata Dal (United).
The Rajya Sabha Factor
This month a total of five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar are up for grabs, putting the NDA (led by the BJP and JD-U) in a powerful position to sweep at least four.
Nominations: Though the BJP has named its national president Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar as candidates, there is no focus unless the JD(U) list has been put together, which must be finalized by the date of candidate nomination on March 5.
The Shift: Nitish Kumar might eventually occupy one of these seats with the announcement of him officially moving to New Delhi. This would open the door for an incoming chief minister at Bihar most probably from the BJP, which became the senior partner after the NDA won the November 2025 Assembly elections by a landslide.
The Rise of Nishant Kumar
Added fuel to the transition fire is the formal political debut of Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar. Nishant will enter the vibrant political scene officially this Holi (March 2026), which has been confirmed by JD(U) heads Shrawan Kumar and Ashok Choudhary respectively.
“Nishant Kumar embodies the simplicity and the decency of Nitish ji. His entry is a Holi gift to the party workers who have been calling for it for years,” said Ashok Choudhary.
Nishant, an engineer by trade who has little public presence, would be given a “significant responsibility,” filling a leadership vacuum through the JD(U) as his father approaches a national statesman position.
The BJP’s Emerging Influence
After the 2025 elections, NDA won 202 seats, the power balance shifted. In late 2025, Nitish Kumar had already ceded the Home Ministry to Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary. And if Nitish goes on to the Rajya Sabha, it has long been anticipated that the BJP will stake a claim in the Chief Minister’s chair, in what will be the first in history of the state, ushering in a new era of Bihar governance.
What Lies Ahead?
With the March 5 Rajya Sabha nominations deadline looming, Patna is on high alert. Whether it is a well-timed retreat or a strategic move to cement his future, Nitish Kumar’s next 48 hours will largely determine the course of the two decades in Bihar’s political terrain.
