Patna: Ending speculations, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said he has long wanted to become a member of the Rajya Sabha, indicating that his expected move to the Upper House would fulfil a personal and political aspiration.
Speaking about the decision to file nomination for the Rajya Sabha, Kumar said since the beginning of his parliamentary career he had wished to serve in both Houses of Parliament as well as both Houses of the state legislature. The veteran leader noted that this desire had remained in his mind for years.
“I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as
well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance,” reads the translated version of what he wrote on X in Hindi.
Kumar has previously served as a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the Bihar Legislative Council and the Lok Sabha, but has never been a member of the Rajya Sabha. If he enters the Upper House, he will join a select group of politicians who have been members of all four legislative bodies — both Houses of Parliament and both Houses of a state legislature
Kumar is one of the state’s longest-serving chief ministers and a central figure in the ruling alliance. His transition to the Rajya Sabha would open the way for a leadership change in the state government.
Kumar’s announcement comes ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled later this year. Meanwhile, there are speculations growing over who may succeed Kumar as chief minister if he formally moves to the Upper House.