Amid concerns about his health, reports that Nitish Kumar could step aside have fuelled political tension, with party leaders scrambling to prevent unrest among cadres and maintain stability in Bihar.
BY PC Bureau
Patna, March 5: Political tensions intensified in Bihar on Thursday as thousands of supporters of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) have started gathering in Patna amid strong speculation that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could step down from his post later in the day and seek entry to the Rajya Sabha.
The possibility of Kumar relinquishing the chief minister’s post has triggered anger among sections of the party’s core base, particularly cadres belonging to the influential Kurmi community, which has long regarded him as its foremost political leader. Party workers arriving in Patna from several districts said they want Kumar to remain in office and have warned against handing over the state’s top post to a nominee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), JD(U)’s alliance partner.
Supporters are urging Kumar not to “surrender” the chief minister’s chair. Many Kurmi leaders argued that the move would undermine the political standing of JD(U) and weaken the community’s influence in state politics.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: JDU youth workers gathered outside the residence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, following reports that he may move to the Rajya Sabha, leaving the CM post. pic.twitter.com/sHtoxd5mqm
— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2026
The unrest comes amid growing concern about Kumar’s health. The veteran leader, who has dominated Bihar’s politics for nearly two decades, has not been keeping well in recent months. Even during the campaign for the last Bihar Legislative Assembly election, speculation was rife within political circles that Kumar might step down within a few months after the polls because of health concerns and the pressures of governance.
Those rumours have resurfaced strongly in recent days, with party insiders indicating that discussions about a leadership transition have intensified.
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If Kumar steps down and the chief minister’s post goes to a BJP leader, it would mark a historic moment in Bihar politics. Despite being a major partner in several coalition governments in the state, the BJP has never before had one of its own leaders serve as chief minister of Bihar.
Within JD(U), the potential transition has exposed sharp divisions. While one faction believes that accommodating the BJP’s demand for the top post could help maintain stability in the ruling alliance, another section is strongly opposed to what it sees as growing BJP dominance. Senior party leaders have been holding hectic consultations to prevent the discontent from turning into an open rebellion.
In a bid to placate the party’s traditional support base and particularly the influential Kurmi community, JD(U) leaders are reportedly considering a political balancing act. According to party sources, Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, may be elevated as deputy chief minister if the transition goes through. The move is seen as an attempt to reassure party cadres that the Kumar family will continue to play a central role in the state’s leadership.
Another deputy chief ministerial berth is expected to go to Kumar’s close associate and senior cabinet colleague, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, who is widely regarded within the party as a trusted and experienced administrator.
Political analysts say the developments represent one of the most delicate moments for JD(U) since it entered into alliance politics with the BJP. Much will depend on whether the party leadership can calm the anger among grassroots supporters while preserving the stability of the ruling coalition.
For now, the large crowds of JD(U) supporters gathered in Patna serve as a reminder that for many party workers, the idea of Bihar without Nitish Kumar as chief minister remains difficult to accept.
