78As Bihar marked Holi, Patna witnessed intense political developments on Wednesday amid speculation that Nitish Kumar may step down as Chief Minister and move to the Rajya Sabha.
The next Chief Minister who will step into Kumar’s shoes will be a BJP man, sources told NDTV.
Senior sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party were quoted as saying that Bihar could soon see a new Chief Minister. According to them, discussions on a succession plan had taken place between BJP and Janata Dal (United) leaders soon after the Assembly election results, with emphasis on charting the JD(U)’s future.
If Kumar resigns, the next Chief Minister is expected to be from the BJP, likely belonging to the Backward or Extremely Backward Classes, party insiders said.
JD(U) leader Zama Khan announced that Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, would formally join the party on Thursday, expressing confidence that his entry would strengthen the organisation.
Sources also said Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Patna on Thursday (March 5), fuelling talk of a possible leadership change as NDA candidates, including BJP president Nitin Nabin, prepare to file their Rajya Sabha nominations.
After a meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence, JD(U) MLC Sanjay Gandhi said the party would back any decision taken by Kumar, including a move to the Rajya Sabha. Sources added that Kumar may file his nomination on Thursday morning.
Political observers noted that his resignation would mark a major shift, given that Kumar has led Bihar for most of the period since November 2005, apart from a brief interlude in 2015 when Jitan Ram Manjhi held the post.
In the 243-member Assembly, 41 MLAs are required to secure a Rajya Sabha seat. Of Bihar’s 16 Rajya Sabha seats, five are set to fall vacant on April 9, including those held by JD(U)’s Harivansh Narayan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha, along with two members from the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal.
The NDA requires the backing of three additional MLAs to secure the fifth seat, while the RJD needs six more legislators. Sources said Kushwaha’s name has been finalised by the NDA, while the RJD is likely to field Amarendra Dhari Singh for the contest.
