New Delhi: Just four months after leading NDA to landslide election victory bihar electionchief minister Nitish Kumar Once again rewriting his political script.The veteran leader on Thursday announced his decision to resign from the state’s top job and head to the Rajya Sabha, marking a major shift for a politician who has dominated Bihar’s politics for most of the past two decades.
Nitish said he had long aspired to be a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislative Assembly and the Assembly.“You have given me your trust and support for over two decades and it is on the basis of this trust that we serve Bihar and all of you wholeheartedly,” he said on his social media account.“It is the power of your faith and support that enables Bihar to present new development and dignity today. For this, I have expressed my gratitude to you many times in the past.”The decision comes less than four months after Nitish led the NDA to a landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, securing a huge majority of 202 seats. He was sworn in as chief minister for a record tenth term on November 20, 2025, a milestone that reaffirmed his control over the state’s politics.
The 75-year-old, seen by many as a strong supporter of the election, has resigned as chief minister. He is expected to be transferred to the Bundestag when the new term begins on April 9, when the outgoing member of Parliament retires.In the NDA, the transition is seen as an orchestrated changing of the guard that could see a new leadership team take office ahead of the next political cycle. With Nitish entering the Assembly, the door has opened for the BJP to appoint its own chief minister of Bihar for the first time.Potential successors include Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Union Minister Nityanand Rai, both of whom are seen as strong contenders if the BJP takes over the top job.Meanwhile, speculation is mounting about a possible political debut of Nitish’s son Nishant Kumar. Some within the coalition believe he could be considered for deputy first minister, but it is unclear what his role or responsibilities would be.
“Niranthal” Nitish
Nitish Kumar has been a central figure in Bihar politics for years, repeatedly returning to the top despite questions, criticism and alliance changes.His “Sushasan Babu” persona, associated with development, stability and the restoration of law and order, has long shaped his political identity, although critics say policy stagnation and political fatigue have begun to dim that luster.However, in 2025, the verdict was unequivocal.Despite being knocked out several times, Nitish once again emerged victorious with what supporters called a “lion majority”, reaffirming his place at the center of state politics.
From engineer to political strategist
Nitish Kumar was born in Bakhtiarpur on March 1, 1951. He had no political ambitions at the beginning. He trained as an electrical engineer and eventually found his calling in public life.His political roots were formed during the Emergency imposed in India during the Indira Gandhi era. Nitish was one of thousands of people imprisoned during that period as part of the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan.He won the first assembly election from Harnaut in 1985 and briefly supported Lalu Prasad Yadav in 1989 before quitting, beginning a contest that would define Bihar politics for decades.1994 was a decisive turning point. In the first major rebellion against Lalu under George Fernandez, fourteen MPs broke away from the government. Industry insiders generally believe Nitish is the strategist behind the move.The group soon formed the Samata Party, marking a decisive change in his political trajectory.Two years later, Nitish made another major move, forming an alliance with the BJP in 1996, the beginning of a partnership that would be repeatedly formed, broken and reformed over the next three decades.He later entered Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet, holding the Ministry of Railways and other posts between 1998 and 2004. His administrative approach and emphasis on law and order gradually helped him develop a technocratic image.In 2000, he made his first attempt to become chief minister, but the NDA lacked the numbers and his government collapsed in just seven days.
The times that shaped Bihar
Nitish returned to power in 2005, ending Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 15-year rule – a period often called “jungle rule” by critics.Victory in 2010 further cemented his political dominance and established him as the face of developmental politics in the state.Women-centred welfare initiatives, including bicycles, uniforms, bans, employment and cash transfers, became key pillars of his governance model, creating what some scholars have called a maternal welfare state.However, Nitish Kumar’s political career depends not only on governance but also on a dramatic shift in alliances.Since 1999, he has repeatedly switched between the National Democratic Alliance and opposition parties such as the UPA or the Mahagathbandhan.His frequent adjustments earned him the nickname “Partu Kumar”.Now, with his transfer to the Bundestag, another chapter in this long and unpredictable political journey begins.
