Nitish Kumar sworn in as Rajya Sabha MP, Bihar awaits new Chief Minister

Nitish Kumar, a prominent leader of the Janata Dal (United) and the longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar, took his oath as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha on April 10, 2026. This event signifies a major political transition in Bihar, as Kumar is expected to resign from his position as Chief Minister shortly after completing the Rajya Sabha formalities. His decision to move to the Upper House of Parliament comes after nearly two decades at the helm of Bihar's administration, during which he has been instrumental in shaping the state's political and developmental landscape. The move to the Rajya Sabha fulfills a long-held aspiration of Nitish Kumar to serve in both the state legislature and Parliament, having previously been an MLA, MLC, and Lok Sabha MP. His resignation from the Bihar Legislative Council on March 30, 2026, preceded his Rajya Sabha election. The political landscape in Bihar is now focused on the formation of a new government under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) umbrella. Key leaders of the NDA, including Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, were present in New Delhi for Kumar's swearing-in, indicating their active involvement in the ensuing discussions. The BJP, as the largest party in the ruling alliance, is expected to play a crucial role in selecting the next Chief Minister. Speculation is rife regarding the potential successor to Nitish Kumar. Among the prominent names being discussed are Samrat Choudhary, the current Deputy Chief Minister and a prominent OBC leader, and Nityanand Rai, a Union Minister of State for Home Affairs. Choudhary's meteoric rise within the BJP and his administrative role make him a strong contender, while Rai brings organizational depth and a strong grassroots network. Other names, such as Vijay Kumar Sinha and Giriraj Singh, have also been mentioned in political circles. Poster campaigns in Patna, projecting Samrat Choudhary as the next Chief Minister, have added to the buzz, though these were reportedly taken down. The BJP leadership is reportedly holding meetings in New Delhi to deliberate on the selection of the new CM, with the final decision resting with the party's central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The transition is expected to be smooth, with an emphasis on continuing Nitish Kumar's development-oriented governance model, often referred to as the 'Nitish Model'. While the exact timeline for the resignation and the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister is subject to ongoing political deliberations, it is anticipated to occur in the coming days, likely around mid-April, after the conclusion of the inauspicious period of 'Kharmaas'. The shift marks a significant moment for the BJP, which aims to have its own Chief Minister in Bihar for the first time, a long-held aspiration for the party in the state. Nitish Kumar's departure from the Chief Minister's office signifies the end of an era in Bihar politics, where he has been a dominant figure for over two decades. The article highlights that Nitish Kumar will continue to provide guidance to the new government, ensuring continuity in his vision for Bihar's development. The political developments are unfolding rapidly, with the NDA partners working towards a consensus for the leadership transition.

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