NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday resigned from the legislative council, days after securing a place in Rajya Sabha, marking a quiet but momentous shift in Bihar politics.For Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister, the move signals more than a routine transition: it hints at the close of an era and the possible emergence of a new leadership, with the BJP set to claim the top job with one of its own.
Kumar’s exit from state politics also ends his decades-long rivalry with Lalu Prasad Yadav. Currently absent from active politics and banned from participating in elections, Lalu continues to lead the RJD, with Tejashwi Yadav as its main face and also leader of the opposition in the assembly.On Sunday, Mokama MLA Anant Singh confirmed that Kumar would resign on Monday.On March 5, Nitish Kumar announced his decision to quit Bihar’s top job and move to the Rajya Sabha, framing it as the fulfillment of a long-standing political ambition.In a post on X, Kumar said he had always aspired to serve in both Houses of the Bihar legislature as well as both Houses of Parliament. Reflecting on his mandate, he thanked the people for their “trust and support” for more than two decades, and credited them with allowing his government to bring “development and dignity” to the State.
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He added that his move to the Rajya Sabha was in line with that aspiration, while assuring that his “bond” with the people of Bihar would remain intact. Kumar also promised full cooperation and guidance to the new government that will take over.The announcement came less than four months after he led the NDA to a landslide victory in the state elections. The veteran leader, who recently turned 75 and was sworn in for a record 10th term in November, is now ready to transition into national politics. His move opens the door for the Bharatiya Janata Party to appoint its own chief minister in Bihar for the first time.
