End of an era in Bihar as the state readies for its first BJP CM
After dominating Bihar politics for nearly two decades, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to enter the Rajya Sabha signals a key shift in state politics. The move reflects shifting power equations within the NDA as the BJP steadily expands its influence. A report by TEHELKA BUREAU
The decision of Nitish Kumar to file nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha appears to mark the closing chapter of one of the most consequential political careers in modern Bihar. For nearly two decades, Kumar shaped the state’s politics as chief minister—holding the office a remarkable ten times through shifting alliances, political recalibrations, and strategic adaptability.
His move to Parliament now signals a major transition not only for his party but for the political balance in Bihar. Behind the decision lies a combination of electoral arithmetic, health concerns, and the growing dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party within the state’s ruling alliance.
The changing power equation within the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar has been evident for some time. In the 2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, the BJP secured 74 seats while Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) managed only 43. That result marked a turning point. For the first time in years, the BJP emerged as the larger partner in the alliance, fundamentally altering the internal dynamics of governance in the state.
The shift became even more pronounced in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, when the BJP increased its tally to 89 seats while the JD(U) improved to 85 but still remained marginally behind its ally. Though the numbers suggested a closer contest, the broader trend was unmistakable: the BJP had consolidated its position as the principal political force in Bihar.
Within this evolving landscape, Kumar’s role increasingly resembled that of a senior statesman rather than the undisputed center of power. Another factor shaping the transition is the personal dimension. In recent months, concerns about Nitish Kumar’s health and stamina have surfaced repeatedly in political circles.
At 74, after decades of active politics and repeated stints in the chief minister’s office, the demands of daily governance in a complex state like Bihar are immense. Moving to the Rajya Sabha allows Kumar to remain politically relevant while stepping back from the intense pressures of state administration.
The development also reflects the broader political strategy of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, who have systematically expanded the BJP’s footprint across states where it once depended heavily on regional allies.
In Bihar, the party has steadily strengthened its organizational base, leadership bench, and electoral machinery. With stronger seat tallies in consecutive elections, the BJP now finds itself well positioned to take command of the state’s political direction.
Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha therefore clears the way for a leadership transition that could see the BJP assert a more direct role in governing Bihar. Regardless of how the transition unfolds, Nitish Kumar’s legacy in Bihar remains significant.
