Patna: Bihar could be on the cusp of a major political transition as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to file his nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections on Thursday, a move that may trigger a reshuffle in the state’s leadership and potentially open the door for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to claim the chief minister’s post.

Sources said Kumar will reach the Bihar Assembly around 11.30 am to submit his nomination papers. Senior Janata Dal (United) leader Ramnath Thakur is also expected to file his nomination as the party’s candidate for the Upper House. 

The development has intensified speculation about a possible leadership change in Bihar, particularly because the BJP currently holds the position of the single largest party in the state Assembly with 89 seats.

If Kumar moves to Parliament, the BJP could press for the chief minister’s post while allowing JD(U) to retain influence in the government.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to be in Patna during the nomination process. According to sources, a meeting between Shah, Kumar, and other leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may take place later in the day to discuss the formula for forming a new government.

Reports suggest the BJP could lead the government, while JD(U) may be accommodated with two Deputy Chief Minister positions as part of a power-sharing arrangement.

Several other leaders are also entering the Rajya Sabha race from Bihar. BJP candidates Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar are expected to file their nomination papers, while Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha is also likely to contest.

Senior JD(U) leader and minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding Kumar’s possible move to the Upper House.

“Whatever is happening is happening with Nitish Kumar’s consent. The decision ultimately rests with him,” Choudhary said, indicating that the Chief Minister will take the final call on the matter.

Amid the political buzz, discussions have also intensified about the possible political debut of Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar. Party sources say he is expected to enter active politics soon, though his exact role has not yet been decided.

Sources indicated that Kumar may continue as Chief Minister until the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 16 and could step down afterward if elected to the Upper House.

If that happens, Kumar would achieve a rare political distinction—having served in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Bihar Legislative Assembly, and Bihar Legislative Council during his long political career.

With nominations being filed and alliance leaders holding consultations, Bihar’s political landscape appears poised for a significant realignment in the coming weeks.