BY PC BUREAU
MARCH 5; Patna: Chaos erupted in Bihar’s political circles after veteran leader Nitish Kumar announced through a social media post that he would step down as chief minister and move to the Rajya Sabha. The development triggered a furious backlash from workers of the Janata Dal (United), many of whom gathered at the party’s state office in Patna and vandalised the premises.
Angry supporters ransacked parts of the JD(U) office, shouting slogans against senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Protesters raised chants targeting Union minister Lalan Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of engineering Nitish Kumar’s exit from the chief minister’s post.
The unrest reflects deep discontent within the JD(U) rank and file, particularly among cadres who believe that Kumar’s decision was not voluntary. Several party leaders claimed that the veteran politician had been “manipulated” into stepping aside as part of a broader political strategy allegedly orchestrated by sections of the BJP leadership.
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VIDEO | Patna: JD(U) workers protest outside the party office following reports that CM Nitish Kumar is likely to file nomination for Rajya Sabha polls.
An official announcement regarding Kumar’s entry into the Upper House of Parliament is yet to be made. Five Rajya Sabha seats… pic.twitter.com/Zdq2K8ckAI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 5, 2026
Some JD(U) leaders also suggested that a few senior figures within the party may have been involved in what they described as a “conspiracy” to ease Nitish Kumar out of power.
“This is not the decision of Nitish Kumar alone. He has been pressured and misled,” a senior JD(U) functionary said, alleging that internal and external forces were working together to remove him from the chief minister’s chair.
The anger among party workers quickly escalated, with some protesters issuing dramatic threats. A few activists warned of self-immolation if Kumar’s resignation was not reconsidered, while others vowed to intensify demonstrations across the state.
“We will not accept this decision. If necessary, we will take the protest to the streets across Bihar,” one agitated worker said outside the party office.
Amid the turmoil, political developments continued to unfold in Patna. Sources said Amit Shah is expected to accompany Nitish Kumar when he files his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election. The Union Home Minister is also scheduled to hold a meeting of NDA legislators in the presence of Nitish Kumar to seek feedback on the choice of Kumar’s successor as chief minister.
Police personnel were deployed in and around the JD(U) headquarters to control the situation and prevent further violence.
Nitish Kumar, one of the longest-serving chief ministers in Bihar, has dominated the state’s politics for nearly two decades. His sudden decision to move to the Rajya Sabha has triggered uncertainty within the party, with many workers fearing it could weaken the JD(U)’s organisational base and alter the balance within the ruling alliance.
The coming days are likely to be crucial as the NDA leadership works to finalise a successor while attempting to calm anger within the JD(U)’s ranks.
