Nitish Kumar files Rajya Sabha nomination, signalling end of 20-year run as Bihar Chief Minister

Patna: After a record 20-year innings as Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar on Thursday effectively signalled the end of his tenure when he filed his nomination papers for membership of the Rajya Sabha.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bihar BJP president Nitin Nabin were present when Kumar submitted his nomination papers before the Secretary of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, who is the returning officer for the election. Nabin has also filed his nomination as a candidate.

In an emotional farewell message, Kumar promised full support to the successor government and said he would continue to guide the new ministry. Shah reciprocated the sentiments, saying Kumar remained free from charges of corruption during his long tenure and had led Bihar to greater heights. He described Kumar’s two-decade rule as a “golden period” for the state.

Amid speculation in political circles, Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar, 50, did not join the Janata Dal (United). Party leaders and workers waited till late evening at the party office expecting his arrival, but he did not turn up.

Meanwhile, efforts to form an alternative government gathered pace after Kumar submitted his nomination papers for the Upper House.

According to sources, the new ministry will be headed by a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party and will include two Deputy Chief Ministers from the JD(U). Under an agreement reached between the two parties, the post of Speaker of the Assembly will go to a JD(U) legislator.

A senior BJP leader said the process of transition had effectively begun in November last year when the Home portfolio, held by Kumar for nearly two decades, was transferred to BJP leader Samrat Choudhary.