Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha today, March 5, 2026, marking a major turning point in the state’s political landscape. After leading Bihar for nearly two decades, the JD(U) president is set to transition to the Upper House of Parliament. The nomination process is taking place at the Bihar Legislative Assembly between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM in the presence of top NDA leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Why are JD(U) workers protesting against the decision?
The announcement of Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha has triggered emotional scenes across Patna. Large groups of JD(U) workers gathered outside the Chief Minister’s residence and the party office, with many supporters seen crying and pleading with him to reconsider. The workers have raised a collective demand for the Chief Minister’s son, Nishant Kumar, to be sent to the Rajya Sabha instead. They believe that this would allow Nitish Kumar to continue his role as the Chief Minister of Bihar while introducing the next generation to national politics.
Key Schedule and Entities for Rajya Sabha Election 2026
The election process is moving forward as per the schedule released by the authorities to fill vacancies occurring in April 2026. Several high-profile leaders are participating in this transition alongside the Bihar Chief Minister.
| Event/Entity | Details |
|---|---|
| Nomination Date | March 5, 2026 |
| Scrutiny of Papers | March 6, 2026 |
| Withdrawal Deadline | March 9, 2026 |
| Election Date | March 16, 2026 |
| Key Candidates | Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin (BJP), Ramnath Thakur (JD-U) |
| Venue | Bihar Vidhan Sabha |
What happens next in Bihar politics?
As Nitish Kumar moves to the Rajya Sabha, he will eventually have to resign from his position as the Chief Minister of Bihar to avoid holding dual offices. This shift has led to intense speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle or the appointment of a new leader to head the state government. JD(U) leader Shrawan Kumar has indicated that Nishant Kumar’s entry into active politics is finalized, though an official role has not been confirmed yet. Union Minister Amit Shah’s presence in Patna during the nomination process underscores the strength of the NDA alliance during this significant transition period.
