Not JD(U) but BJP leaders key in Bihar CM race as Nitish Kumar heads to Rajya Sabha

Bihar could be headed for a fresh political reshuffle as chief minister Nitish Kumar is set to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The development comes months after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a major victory in the state assembly elections, and has now triggered intense speculation about who will take over as the next chief minister of Bihar.

Kumar, one of the longest-serving chief ministers in the country, has played a central role in Bihar politics for nearly two decades. His likely move to Parliament is expected to open the door for a leadership transition within the NDA government in the state.

While an official decision has not yet been announced, several senior leaders have emerged as frontrunners for the chief minister’s post.

Key contenders emerge for CM post

Among the names being widely discussed is Samrat Choudhary, who currently serves as one of Bihar’s deputy chief ministers.

A prominent BJP leader in the state, Choudhary, has held several important portfolios over the years and is currently in charge of the home affairs department in the state government.

Choudhary’s administrative experience and his role in the BJP’s political strategy in Bihar have made him one of the strongest contenders for the top post.

Another senior leader whose name has surfaced is Nityanand Rai, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs.

Rai previously served as the BJP’s Bihar unit president and has represented the Hajipur assembly constituency multiple times. He later entered national politics after being elected as a Member of Parliament from Ujiarpur.

Apart from these two leaders, a few other BJP figures are also reportedly in the running. These include Bihar minister Dilip Jaiswal and Digha BJP MLA Sanjiv Chaurasia, both of whom are said to have support within the party.

Reports suggest that the BJP may lead the next government in Bihar, with the JD(U) likely to receive two deputy chief minister posts as part of a broader power-sharing arrangement within the NDA alliance.

Nishant Kumar likely to step into politics

Amid the leadership speculation, another major development could be the political debut of Nishant Kumar, the son of Nitish Kumar. Nishant has largely stayed away from the public and political spotlight so far, but JD(U) leaders have hinted that he may soon take on an active political role.

State minister Sharwan Kumar recently said that there had been growing demands within the party and among young supporters for Nishant Kumar to join politics. According to him, a formal announcement regarding his entry could be made soon.

Reports indicate that Nishant Kumar may join the JD(U) and could also be inducted into the Bihar cabinet. Some political observers believe he may even be considered for the role of deputy chief minister, although no official confirmation has been made.

As discussions continue within the NDA leadership, the final decision on Bihar’s next chief minister is expected to be announced soon. Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha, however, appears set to usher in a new phase in Bihar’s political landscape.