On March 4, 2026, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alleged that the BJP is executing a silent Operation Lotus in Bihar. RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav claimed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is being pressured to transition to the Rajya Sabha to make way for a BJP Chief Minister. This development marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape after two decades of leadership under Nitish Kumar.
What are the claims made by RJD regarding the Chief Minister?
RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav stated that Nitish Kumar has privately expressed feeling helpless and surrounded by political pressure. He alleged that the BJP is using the Chief Minister as a pawn to seize control of the state government. The RJD has described this situation as a political kidnapping and claims the CM was threatened to accept the Rajya Sabha nomination. These allegations come at a time when Nitish Kumar is expected to resign from his post as Chief Minister.
Key Details of the Rajya Sabha Elections and Nominations
The nomination process involves several critical dates and technical requirements for the candidates. The NDA alliance currently holds a strong majority in the assembly, making the election process smoother for their candidates.
- Nomination Deadline: March 5, 2026, is the final day for filing papers in Patna.
- Candidates: Nitish Kumar and BJP National President Nitin Nabin are expected to file their nominations today.
- Voting Requirement: Each candidate needs at least 41 first-preference votes from MLAs to win a seat.
- Election Date: Polling for the five vacant seats is scheduled for March 16, 2026.
- Alliance Strength: The NDA holds 202 seats in the 243-member Assembly, positioning them to win four out of five seats.
What changes are expected in the Bihar Government?
Nitish Kumar is expected to resign from his position as Chief Minister following his Rajya Sabha nomination. There is strong speculation that the next Chief Minister will be from the BJP, which would be the first time a BJP leader holds the top post in Bihar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to be present in Patna for the nomination filings today. Additionally, there is recent talk about Nishant Kumar, the son of Nitish Kumar, potentially making a formal entry into Bihar politics during this transition period.
