Who Will Be Bihar’s Next Chief Minister After Nitish Kumar Resigns As MLC Today?

In a major political development, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to resign from the Bihar Legislative Council on March 30. This move is seen as a key step before he formally steps down as Chief Minister and begins his new role as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.

The decision could trigger significant changes in Bihar's political leadership and power balance.

Why Nitish Kumar Is Resigning

Nitish Kumar is currently a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), not a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). According to constitutional rules, a Chief Minister must be a member of either house of the state legislature.

However, after being elected to the Rajya Sabha earlier this month, he must resign from his state position within a fixed time frame. March 30 marks the final day for him to step down from the Legislative Council, making his resignation almost certain.
Confirmation from Party Leaders

Janata Dal (United) leader Anant Kumar Singh confirmed that Nitish Kumar has already made up his mind.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said that while many party members wanted him to continue as Chief Minister, he chose to proceed with his decision.

This indicates that the move is a personal and strategic choice by Nitish Kumar, despite internal hesitation within the party.

From Chief Minister to National Politics

Earlier this month, Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha and was elected on March 16. He also recently became the president of the Janata Dal (United), further strengthening his leadership within the party.

In a message shared after his election, the 75-year-old leader expressed his desire to contribute both at the state and national levels. He also promised continued guidance and support to the new government in Bihar.

His move signals a shift from state politics to a more active role at the national level.

A Long and Influential Political Journey

Nitish Kumar is one of Bihar's most experienced and influential leaders. His political career began in the 1980s, and he has served in multiple roles, including Union Minister during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

He first became Chief Minister in 2005 and has since held the position multiple times, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar. Known for his strategic political decisions, he has shifted alliances several times between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan.

Despite these changes, he has remained a central figure in Bihar politics.

Who Could Be the Next Chief Minister?

Nitish Kumar's exit from the Chief Minister's post opens the door for a new leader in Bihar.
One of the leading names is Samrat Choudhary, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and current Deputy Chief Minister. His elevation could strengthen the BJP's role in the state government.

At the same time, some leaders within JD(U) have suggested that Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, could be considered for the role. Nishant has recently entered active politics, and supporters believe he has the potential to lead.

However, no final decision has been announced yet.

NDA Welcomes the Move

Leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have welcomed Nitish Kumar's decision to return to Parliament. They see it as an opportunity for him to contribute to national policymaking while continuing to guide Bihar's development.
His shift could also reshape political equations within the state and at the Centre.