Patna to Delhi: Nitish set to enter Rajya Sabha, complete all-houses journey

NEW DELHI: Thursday turned out to be a significant day in Bihar politics as 10-time chief minister Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat.

Before filing the nomination, Kumar himself announced his decision to move to the Upper House in a social media post.

"From the very beginning of my parliamentary journey, there has been a desire in my heart to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislature as well as both Houses of Parliament. In keeping with this aspiration, I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time," Kumar wrote in a post on X. He also said the new government in the state would have his full cooperation and guidance.


Union home minister Amit Shah arrived in Patna on Thursday morning and headed straight to the residence of BJP national president Nitin Nabin. From there, Shah, Nabin, Bihar deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and other BJP leaders went to Nitish Kumar's residence. After spending a few minutes there, Nitish Kumar, Shah and Nabin left in one car for the Bihar Assembly, while other leaders followed.

Kumar and Nabin filed their nominations in the presence of Shah. Three other NDA candidates - Upendra Kushwaha, Shivesh Kumar and Union minister of state Ramnath Thakur - also filed their nominations for the Rajya Sabha.

After the nomination process, Shah praised Nitish Kumar for his commitment to the people of Bihar.

"Over the past two decades, your (Nitish) commitment and dedicated leadership for the welfare of Bihar's people have freed the state from jungle raj and propelled it forward in the direction of development and good governance. Your extensive experience in public service and deep understanding of policymaking will make the Rajya Sabha proceedings even more effective. Your esteemed presence will further strengthen the NDA's resolve of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'," Shah posted on X.

Apart from Shah, other NDA leaders such as Union minister Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi and RLM leader Upendra Kushwaha also welcomed Kumar's decision to move to the Upper House.

Most JD(U) leaders said the decision was taken by Kumar himself and the party stood firmly behind him. Sources told ET that the entry of Nitish's son Nishant Kumar into JD(U) politics has been worked out and approved by Nitish Kumar.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of hijacking Nitish Kumar and defying the people's mandate given on the slogan '25 se 30, fir se Nitish'.

Kumar will continue as chief minister until NDA allies work out the formula for the next government formation, with a BJP chief minister and a deputy CM from the JD(U).