Politics in Bihar took another dramatic turn this week as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections 2026. The decision quickly triggered reactions from across the political spectrum, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav launching a sharp attack on the BJP and mocking Nitish Kumar’s political future.
While supporters of Nitish Kumar say the move is a strategic decision, critics believe it signals the end of a long and influential political chapter.
Akhilesh Yadav takes a swipe
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Akhilesh Yadav did not hold back his criticism. According to him, the BJP’s political playbook was predictable.
He said that anyone who understands politics could already guess what the BJP would do next. Akhilesh Yadav added that he once hoped Nitish Kumar would retire as the Prime Minister of India, but the situation has now changed.
Instead, he sarcastically remarked that Nitish Kumar would now retire as a Rajya Sabha member.
From opposition face to NDA ally
Nitish Kumar’s political journey over the last few years has been full of twists.
Before the 2024 General Elections, he was one of the founding figures of the INDIA opposition alliance. Many of his supporters even projected him as a possible prime ministerial candidate who could challenge the BJP at the national level.
However, the situation changed dramatically when Nitish Kumar decided to return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the elections. His move surprised many political observers and reshaped alliances in Bihar.
Now, with his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, another major shift in his political path appears to be unfolding.
JD(U) workers initially upset
Inside Nitish Kumar’s own party, the decision caused mixed emotions.
Bihar minister Shravan Kumar admitted that many Janata Dal (United) workers were upset when they first heard that the chief minister planned to move to the Rajya Sabha.
However, he said that Nitish Kumar explained the reasoning behind the decision during a meeting with party leaders on Friday.
According to Shravan Kumar, the chief minister made it clear that this was his personal political decision. Even though party workers felt emotional about it, they ultimately agreed to support him.
He said that once a leader takes a political decision, it becomes the responsibility of supporters and party members to stand by that choice.
JD(U) rejects pressure from BJP
Opposition leaders have suggested that the BJP might have pressured Nitish Kumar to move to the Centre.
Shravan Kumar strongly denied these allegations.
He argued that if there had been any pressure, Nitish Kumar would have openly said so. Instead, the chief minister explained that he wanted to experience the “fourth House” in his long political career.
Nitish Kumar has already served in the Bihar Vidhan Sabha, Bihar Legislative Council, and Lok Sabha. According to the JD(U), the Rajya Sabha was the only parliamentary institution he had not yet been part of.
New political entry for Nishant Kumar
The political developments in Bihar may also mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Nitish Kumar family.
Shravan Kumar welcomed the idea of Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar’s son, entering active politics.
He said party members had earlier suggested that Nishant Kumar should step forward because he is young and capable. With the changing political situation, leaders now believe it is the right time for him to play a role.
The JD(U) has confirmed that Nishant Kumar will officially join the party on Sunday.