Nitish Kumar rewrites Bihar political script, set to leave CM post for Rajya Sabha

TOI City Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Mar 5, 2026, 15:03 IST

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Nitish Kumar set for Rajya Sabha entry

After leading the NDA to a sweeping victory in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, Nitish Kumar announced he will step down as chief minister and move to the Rajya Sabha. The decision marks a new phase in his long political career as he prepares to take on a role in Parliament.

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Files nomination with NDA leaders present

Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha with senior NDA leaders present, including Union home minister Amit Shah. The moment signalled strong backing from the alliance as he transitions from Bihar politics to Parliament.

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Partnership with PM Narendra Modi in NDA politics

Over the years, Nitish Kumar has worked closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the NDA. Their political partnership has shaped governance and electoral strategies in Bihar.

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Steps down after record tenure as Bihar CM

Nitish Kumar stepped down after serving a record tenth term as Bihar’s chief minister, marking the end of a long tenure that defined the state’s political landscape.

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Decades of trust from Bihar’s voters

Nitish Kumar thanked the people of Bihar for their continued trust over the past two decades, saying their support enabled his government to work towards development and dignity in the state.

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NDA’s historic 2025 election victory

Under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the NDA secured a massive mandate in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, winning 202 seats and reinforcing his political dominance in the state.

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Leader known as ‘Sushasan babu’

Nitish Kumar earned the reputation of “Sushasan Babu,” associated with governance reforms, development initiatives and improved law and order in Bihar.

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Welfare initiatives that reshaped governance

His tenure saw the launch of several welfare schemes focused on social development, including programmes supporting women, education and financial assistance.

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From engineer to influential political leader

Born in 1951 in Bakhtiarpur, Nitish Kumar trained as an electrical engineer before entering politics during the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan during the Emergency.

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A long and enduring political journey

From winning his first assembly election in 1985 to serving multiple terms as chief minister, Nitish Kumar has remained one of Bihar’s most influential leaders.