Patna, March 30, 2026: In a major political development that signals the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar politics, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has officially resigned from his membership in the Bihar Legislative Council today.
JD(U) MLC Sanjay Gandhi submitted the resignation letter to Legislative Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh. Nitish Kumar, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16, 2026 (unopposed along with other NDA candidates), is expected to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10.
Why Did Nitish Kumar Resign?
According to constitutional provisions, a person elected to Parliament must resign from their state legislature seat within 14 days of the election results. The deadline for Nitish Kumar was March 30, 2026. Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar had earlier confirmed that the CM still had time until today to complete the formality.
This resignation is a procedural step but carries huge significance — it effectively paves the way for Nitish Kumar to step down as Chief Minister of Bihar after nearly two decades in power, one of the longest tenures in the state's history.
What Happened in the Last Few Days?
- On the eve of the resignation, senior JD(U) leaders held closed-door meetings at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Patna.
- A section of the party pleaded with Nitish Kumar to continue in Bihar politics, but he remained firm on his decision.
- Earlier, Bihar Rural Development Minister Sharwan Kumar had stated that Nitish could technically remain CM for up to six months under Article 164(4) of the Constitution, even after becoming an MP. However, the focus has now shifted to the succession plan.
Political Implications: Who Will Be the Next Bihar CM?
Nitish Kumar’s move to Rajya Sabha marks the end of his long dominance in Bihar. Speculation is now intense about his successor within the NDA alliance:
- Samrat Choudhary (Deputy CM and senior BJP leader) is widely seen as the frontrunner. Nitish Kumar had dropped several hints during his recent Samriddhi Yatra that Choudhary could take over.
- Other names doing the rounds include Union Minister Nityanand Rai, and some JD(U) voices have even mentioned Nitish’s son Nishant Kumar.
The final decision on the next Chief Minister is likely to be taken soon by the NDA partners, with BJP expected to claim the top post this time.
Nitish Kumar’s Legacy
Often called ‘Sushasan Babu’, Nitish Kumar has been a master of political engineering in Bihar. From his early days to becoming the longest-serving CM, his journey has shaped the state’s politics for over 20 years.
Read Also:
- Nitish Kumar’s Political Journey: From Rebellion to Longest-Serving CM
- All NDA Candidates Win Rajya Sabha Polls in Bihar
FAQs
Q1. When will Nitish Kumar take oath as Rajya Sabha MP?
A: He is likely to take oath on April 10, 2026.
Q2. Does Nitish Kumar have to resign as Chief Minister immediately?
A: Constitutionally, he must resign from the state legislature seat within 14 days. He can remain CM for a short period (up to six months as per some provisions), but political signals suggest a transition is imminent.
Q3. Who is the most likely next Chief Minister of Bihar?
A: Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary (BJP) is the strongest contender, though no official announcement has been made yet.
Q4. Why did Nitish Kumar contest Rajya Sabha election?
A: He filed his nomination on March 5, 2026, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, confirming long-standing speculation about his shift to national politics.
This resignation is not just a formality — it represents a historic shift in Bihar’s power dynamics. The NDA alliance will now decide the future leadership of the state.
Stay tuned with Nexus News Alert for live updates on the political transition in Bihar, including the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister and reactions from all parties.
Share your thoughts: What do you think about Nitish Kumar’s move to Rajya Sabha? Who should be the next CM of Bihar? Comment below!
