Nitish Kumar quits as Bihar CM after Rajya Sabha entry

As per constitutional provisions, Kumar was required to relinquish his membership in the state legislature within 14 days of his election to Parliament.

The Constitution does not allow an individual to be a member of both Parliament and a state legislature simultaneously.

In what was seen as a sudden move, the veteran leader had earlier announced his decision to step down and transition to a role in the Rajya Sabha, months after speculation over his political future intensified.

At 75, Kumar is Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister, having taken oath a record 10 times. Over the years, he has helmed governments aligned with both the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan, retaining a loyal voter base despite multiple political shifts.

In 2025, when many had written him off, Kumar staged a notable comeback with strong support from women voters, often attributed to welfare initiatives such as the bicycle scheme for schoolgirls and the statewide liquor prohibition policy.

However, with the Bharatiya Janata Party emerging as the dominant partner in the alliance and JD(U) slipping to second place in legislative strength, pressure had been mounting for a leadership change.

The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal has also targeted Kumar over alleged age-related concerns, further fuelling speculation about a leadership transition in the state.