Speculation intensified in Bihar’s political circles on Wednesday amid reports that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may step down from the top post if elected to the Rajya Sabha.
According to sources cited by News18 Hindi, the Janata Dal (United) chief is set to file his nomination for the Upper House on Thursday and is unlikely to continue as Chief Minister once he becomes a Rajya Sabha MP.
The reported development has sparked questions over succession within the ruling alliance and the possible political role of his son, Nishant Kumar. Sources told News18 Hindi that Nishant Kumar could be considered for the post of Deputy Chief Minister. While there has been no official confirmation from the JDU or the NDA, speculation intensified after a senior minister close to Nitish Kumar hinted at a “dramatic entry” for Nishant into active politics, according to News18 Hindi.
Adding to the political buzz, JDU national working president Sanjay Jha arrived in Patna from Delhi on Wednesday and held a closed-door meeting with Nitish Kumar, as reported by News18 Hindi. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, was also reported by News18 Hindi to have travelled to Patna from the national capital.
The developments come against the backdrop of the contest for Bihar’s fifth Rajya Sabha seat. A candidate requires the backing of 41 MLAs to secure a berth in the Upper House. The NDA’s combined strength in the 243-member Bihar Assembly — comprising the BJP, JDU, LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM and RLJM — stands at 202, effectively ensuring victory in four of the five seats.
However, the fifth seat presents a tighter arithmetic. The NDA has fielded Upendra Kushwaha as its candidate, but the nomination drew attention after LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan indicated he was unaware of the decision, according to News18 Hindi. In a bid to prevent cross-voting or absenteeism, all NDA MLAs have been asked to remain in Patna ahead of Thursday’s nomination filing, News18 Hindi reported.
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