End of the ‘Nitish Era’ After 20 Years? CM Nitish Kumar to File Rajya Sabha Nomination Today
Patna: Today is being seen as a crucial day in Bihar politics, with indications that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, potentially marking the beginning of the end of a two-decade-long political era in the state.
Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Naveen is also scheduled to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to arrive in Patna for the occasion, further intensifying political activity in the state.
Sources suggest that Amit Shah may remain present during Nitish Kumar’s nomination as well. Given the current fluid political situation in Bihar, the BJP is said to be proceeding with extreme caution, keen to avoid any strategic missteps.
Beginning of the End of the ‘Nitish Era’?
Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha is being viewed as a significant political development. In political circles, it is being described as the possible beginning of the end of the ‘Nitish era’ in Bihar. Having remained at the center of the state’s politics for nearly 20 years, his potential shift away from active state leadership is being seen as a transformative moment.
There is speculation that the decision may be linked to his advancing age and health considerations, though no official statement has been issued in this regard.
Unease Among JD(U) Workers
The development has triggered visible unease within Janata Dal United (JD(U)). Party workers have expressed confusion and resentment over the move. Many believe that the party remained united and strong under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, and question who will take charge if he transitions to national politics.
Outside the JD(U) office and the Chief Minister’s residence, veteran party workers voiced concerns about the party’s future. Some have even hinted at protests, arguing that there is currently no universally accepted leader within the party capable of holding it together in Nitish Kumar’s absence.
“We Sought Votes for 2025 to 2030”
Protesting supporters argued that during the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, voters gave a mandate for Nitish Kumar to lead the state until 2030—not to move to Delhi politics. They claim that women and youth in particular voted in large numbers for his continued leadership in Bihar.
“We sought votes in the name of Nitish Kumar for 2025 to 2030. Sending him to the Rajya Sabha now does not do justice to that mandate,” said one supporter.
Workers further argued that Nitish Kumar’s departure to the Rajya Sabha would bring an end to what they described as a “golden era” that transformed Bihar over the past two decades. They credited his tenure with significant development and inclusive governance, which they say resulted in a massive mandate for the NDA in the 2025 Assembly polls.
Demand for Dialogue, Emotional Scenes Outside CM Residence
JD(U) workers also expressed disappointment that such a major decision was taken without prior consultation with grassroots cadres. They insisted that the Chief Minister should have engaged with party workers before filing his nomination.
Emotional scenes were witnessed outside the CM’s residence, with some workers reportedly breaking down in tears. A few even termed the decision as a “betrayal of the mandate,” while reiterating their faith in Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
Some supporters proposed that if representation in Delhi is necessary, his son Nishant could be sent to the Rajya Sabha, while Nitish Kumar should continue leading Bihar. Others speculated that the decision might have been taken under political pressure.
With emotions running high and political stakes equally significant, Bihar now awaits the next move from Nitish Kumar and the official stand of the party. The developments could have far-reaching implications for the state’s political landscape.