Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also scheduled to travel to Patna on Thursday, fuelling speculation that the ruling alliance is preparing to formalise the transition in the state leadership.
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Kumar’s entry into the Upper House would signal his move to national politics while allowing the BJP, the larger partner in the National Democratic Alliance in the north Indian state, to stake claim to the chief minister’s position.
Nitish Kumar’s Bihar era ending?
The developments have fuelled intense speculation in political circles across Bihar over the past 24 hours.
Reports circulating in the state suggested that the Janata Dal (United) chief, who turned 75 earlier this month and is the state’s longest-serving chief minister, could opt for the Rajya Sabha route as part of an “honourable exit” from state politics.Under the scenario being discussed in political circles, the BJP, which has consistently outperformed the JD(U) in recent elections, could install one of its own leaders as chief minister in Bihar, the only major Hindi heartland state where the party has not yet held the top executive post.
Some reports have also suggested that Kumar may seek a political role for his son Nishant Kumar as part of the arrangement, possibly as deputy chief minister.
The speculation gained momentum a day after the JD(U) announced that Nishant, who has largely stayed away from public life and is in his late 40s, would soon make his entry into politics.
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Earlier, there had been talk that Nishant could be nominated directly to the Rajya Sabha, though he is yet to be formally inducted into the JD(U).
The rumours have surfaced as the deadline for filing nominations for five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar approaches on Thursday.
The saffron party has already announced its two candidates, including party national general secretary Nitin Nabin, while junior NDA ally Upendra Kushwaha is set to get a second consecutive term in the Upper House.
The JD(U), however, is yet to formally name its nominees.
