Nitish ignores family & party wishes, files papers for Rajya Sabha

Patna: Chief minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar on Thursday filed nomination papers for Rajya Sabha elections, a move seen as a decisive shift in the state’s politics and one that virtually signals the end of his tenure as state’s longest-serving CM.According to JD(U) leaders and family members, the decision was strongly opposed by his son Nishant Kumar, close relatives and party workers across the state. “Not only his son Nishant, but the entire family tried to convince Nitish ji throughout the night so that he does not go to Rajya Sabha at this juncture. But he remained adamant on his decision and today he filed nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections,” Anil Kumar, Nitish’s brother-in-law, said.While Nitish has not yet formally resigned, the development has fuelled expectations that a new govt will take shape in Patna, likely to be led by the BJP.Nitish publicly indicated his plan to return to Parliament through a post on X about an hour before he reached the assembly secretariat to file his nomination papers. The announcement stunned JD(U) workers and triggered visible unrest within the party.In his X post, Nitish framed the move as part of a long-held personal goal tied to his political journey. “Since the beginning of my parliamentary life, I had a desire in my heart that I become a member of both Houses of the Bihar legislature as well as both Houses of Parliament. In this sequence, in the elections being held this time, I wish to become a member of the Rajya Sabha,” he wrote.He also used the message to thank the people of Bihar for their support over the years and to position his transition as continuity rather than withdrawal. “For more than the past two decades, you have continuously maintained your trust and support with me, and on the strength of that, we have served Bihar and all of you with complete dedication,” he said, adding, “It was the strength of your trust and support that Bihar today is presenting a new dimension of development and respect.”Nitish further sought to reassure supporters about his future role in state affairs. “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,” he wrote.The announcement, however, did little to calm the anger among sections of JD(U) workers. Party workers vandalised the JD(U) office, alleging the BJP had hatched a “conspiracy” to push out their leader with the help of “traitors within the party.”Nitish was accompanied during the nomination process by Union home minister Amit Shah, who flew in from Delhi.Even as the nomination has been filed, Nitish is expected to remain chief minister for a short period. Sources in the BJP said it could take a few weeks before he relinquishes the post, and that he may continue until he leaves for Delhi to be sworn in as a member of Parliament.Within the JD(U), attention has also shifted to Nishant’s entry into politics.Sources in the NDA said Nitish has conveyed to the BJP leadership the need to project “a dalit face,” suggesting either that the BJP choose a successor from the Scheduled Castes or that a JD(U) leader be made deputy chief minister.