Nitish Kumar’s exit on cards? Son Nishant set for Deputy CM role, BJP eyes top post

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to step down and move to the Rajya Sabha, with his son Nishant Kumar expected to take over as Deputy Chief Minister, sources indicated. The transition could coincide with the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with nominations expected to be filed this week. If the development materialises, a BJP leader is set to replace Kumar as Chief Minister, marking a significant political shift in the state.

Sources suggested that Kumar, 75, may resign as early as next week. The move, long anticipated in political circles, would place the BJP firmly in the driving seat in Bihar. While Kumar’s official stance remains unclear, internal discussions within the alliance are said to have gathered pace in recent days.

Several BJP leaders are being considered for the Chief Minister’s post. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who also holds the Home portfolio in the state, is seen as a frontrunner. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai is also being discussed, along with other party leaders, as the BJP weighs its options.

Nitish Kumar has been Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister, having taken oath a record ten times. He has led the state since 2015, barring a brief period when Jitan Ram Manjhi held the post. Over the years, Kumar has spearheaded election campaigns for both the NDA and the Grand Alliance, maintaining a strong support base despite shifting political alignments.

The possible transition comes amid speculation about generational change within the state’s leadership and renewed assertions from opposition parties. With electoral arithmetic favouring the BJP in recent years, the prospect of a leadership change has gained momentum, potentially signalling the end of an era in Bihar politics.