Nitish Kumar Takes Oath as Rajya Sabha Member, Signals Major Political Transition

New Delhi, April 2026: Veteran leader Nitish Kumar on Friday took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant turning point in his long and eventful political career.

Nitish Kumar arrived in New Delhi on Thursday along with senior leaders Sanjay Jha and Vijay Kumar Choudhary to complete the formalities related to his entry into Parliament’s Upper House. His induction places him among a rare group of Indian politicians who have served in all four legislative bodies — the State Legislative Assembly, State Legislative Council, Lok Sabha, and now the Rajya Sabha — a distinction that underscores his decades-long public service.

He was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on March 16 and subsequently resigned from his position as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) on March 30. This move also brings an end to his long association with the Bihar Legislative Council, where he had been a member since 2006. Over the years, he served four consecutive terms — 2006–2012, 2012–2018, 2018–2024, and 2024 onwards — before stepping down.

Since becoming Chief Minister in November 2005, Nitish Kumar has largely governed Bihar as a member of the Legislative Council rather than the Assembly. Although he began his political journey as an MLA from Harnaut in 1985 and later served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, his tenure as Chief Minister has been closely tied to the Upper House of the state legislature.

With his resignation from the Legislative Council, constitutional provisions now require him to step down from the post of Chief Minister. Addressing the media upon his arrival in Delhi, Nitish Kumar indicated that he would resign within the next few days and shift his focus to national politics.

“I have accomplished a lot of work in Bihar. Now I felt that I should remain here,” he said, adding that new leadership would soon take charge in the state. He confirmed that a new Chief Minister and council of ministers would be appointed shortly.

Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha marks the beginning of a new phase in his political journey, which began over four decades ago. His transition is expected to have a significant impact on Bihar’s political landscape, as the state prepares for a leadership change in the coming days.

Team Maverick