Bihar's incumbent Chief MinisterNitish Kumaron Thursday announced that he will be giving up his post and heading to the Rajya Sabha in the current cycle of elections. The 75-year-old, who isBihar'slongest-serving chief minister, said that the new cabinet would have his full support.

"I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X.

Sharing his two-decade journey, the Bihar CM said that it was the "power of trust and support" that enabled Bihar today to present a new dimension of development and dignity. "For this, I have expressed my gratitude to you many times in the past as well. 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," he remarked.

After Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha, Bihar's political landscape could see senior BJP leaders emerging as frontrunners for the chief minister's post.

Samrat Choudhary, currently one of the deputy chief ministers, is widely expected to be elevated to the top position. A prominent face in Bihar politics, Choudhary has held several key portfolios over the years. From serving as the Panchayati Raj Minister to currently handling the crucial Home Affairs department in the state government, he has remained at the centre of administrative and political decision-making. This is his second stint as Deputy CM, further strengthening his claim to the post.

Another strong contender is Nityanand Rai, who is currently serving as the Minister of State for Home Affairs at the Centre. Before moving to national politics, Rai was the BJP’s Bihar state president and built a strong organisational base for the party. A four-time MLA from Hajipur, he later secured a parliamentary ticket in 2015 and went on to serve as an MP from Ujiarpur.

While Choudhary and Rai are seen as the principal contenders, political circles are also abuzz with speculation that Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar, could enter active politics. Reports suggest he may be considered for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, marking a potential new chapter for the Janata Dal (United).

On Tuesday, Bihar Rural Development Minister Shrawon Kumar told PTI, "On the eve of Holi, I have some good news to share with the people of Bihar. It has been some time since there have been demands, from within the JD(U) as well as from among the state's youth, that Nishant, the son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, join politics.

"Decks have been cleared for that, and a formal announcement will be made in a day or two," he had said.

An announcement is expected soon.

Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now