As Nitish Kumar shifts to the Rajya Sabha, the race for Bihar’s next CM begins. Eight names emerge while his son Nishant Kumar is likely to become Deputy CM

Delhi/Patna: As Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha today, attention has shifted to a major political question: Who will become the next Chief Minister of Bihar? Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha comes after an emotional farewell message to the people of Bihar on March 4. With his departure, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is preparing to appoint its first BJP-led Chief Minister in the state in many years.

Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party say the new Chief Minister will likely come from the Backward Classes (BC) or Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) communities. These groups make up more than 60% of Bihar’s voters, so their representation is politically important.

Right now, nine major names are being discussed. Five women candidates are gaining attention for representing grassroots politics and women’s empowerment, while four male leaders are known for their administrative experience and strong caste support.

This transition is not just about replacing a leader. It is also about balancing caste equations, gender representation, and alliance politics after the NDA’s strong victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, where it won 215 seats.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is reportedly pushing for a backward-class Chief Minister to strengthen BJP’s position. At the same time, the party may offer deputy positions to the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) to keep the alliance stable. One possibility being discussed is giving the Deputy Chief Minister post to Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar’s son.

The candidates in the race represent different parts of Bihar’s political landscape—experience, youth leadership, caste representation, and gender balance.

For the large Bihari community living in Delhi and other cities, this decision will affect issues like jobs, migration, and regional pride.

Nitish Kumar’s Exit and the Start of a New Political Phase

Nitish Kumar, often called “Sushasan Babu” for his focus on governance, has served as Bihar’s Chief Minister for nine terms.

In a recent video message, he said:
“My legs may be tired, but my spirit will continue working from Delhi.”

At 75 years old, and after the NDA’s 2025 victory, he appears ready to move into a national political role. Party insiders say he could resign as Chief Minister soon after completing the Rajya Sabha process, which would trigger a floor test in the Bihar Assembly.

Key Timeline

• March 4:
  Nitish Kumar released an emotional message to the people of Bihar. JD(U) workers gathered at 1 Anne Marg, the Chief Minister’s residence.
• March 5:
  He officially filed his Rajya Sabha nomination while BJP leaders held meetings to decide the next CM.
• March 7–10:
  The new Chief Minister is expected to take oath. Nishant Kumar may become Deputy Chief Minister to ensure continuity.

Since the BJP became the largest party in the NDA alliance after the 2025 elections, it is now likely to claim the Chief Minister’s post. However, the party must carefully choose someone who does not upset the caste balance that helped Nitish Kumar gain support for years.

The Main Contenders: 5 Women and 4 Men

According to party discussions, media reports, and political insiders, nine leaders are currently being considered.

Women candidates are gaining attention because the number of women MLAs increased significantly after the 2025 elections, while male leaders remain influential due to strong caste support and administrative experience.

Women Candidates

Renu Devi (Nonia OBC, former Deputy CM)
She is known for her work during flood relief operations and has strong support among women voters in EBC communities.

Rama Nishad (Nishad EBC)
The fisheries minister who advocates for the rights of river communities. She has strong influence in flood-prone areas of North Bihar.

Gayatri Devi (Kushwaha OBC)
A leader known for working with self-help groups and empowering rural women, especially in the Seemanchal region.

Anamika Patel (General category)
Head of the BJP Mahila Morcha and a strong digital campaigner with a large following on social media.

Male Candidates

Samrat Choudhary (Koeri EBC, current Deputy CM)
Also the Home Minister of Bihar, he is widely seen as the top contender and has strong backing within the BJP leadership.

Vijay Kumar Sinha (Kayastha OBC, Deputy CM)
An experienced administrator who has worked on governance reforms.

Dilip Jaiswal (Vaishya OBC)
Industry Minister known for economic policy experience and strong support in Bhagalpur.

Nityanand Rai (Yadav OBC)
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs who could attract Yadav voters.

Caste and Gender Politics: The Key Factors

Politics in Bihar is heavily influenced by caste numbers.
• EBC: 36%
• OBC: 27%
• Dalits: 16%

Because of these numbers, most analysts say a backward-class Chief Minister is almost certain. This would help the NDA compete with opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav and the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

At the same time, the presence of five women candidates shows the BJP’s attempt to promote “Nari Shakti” (women empowerment) in politics.

Social media trends reflect this divide:

• #EBCFirst – 45% support
• #NariCMBihar – 30% support

Rural voters often support Samrat Choudhary, while many urban users support Renu Devi or Shreyasi Singh.

Role of Delhi Leadership

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is believed to be playing a key role in the decision.

The likely formula being discussed is:
• A backward-class Chief Minister
• A JD(U) Deputy Chief Minister, possibly Nishant Kumar

This would maintain alliance balance and ensure political continuity.

Possible Scenarios

• Samrat Choudhary or Renu Devi becomes CM with Nishant Kumar as Deputy CM (most likely).
• A woman candidate could be chosen to send a national message about women’s leadership.
• A floor test in the Bihar Assembly by March 7 followed by full leadership transition by March 10.

Reactions From the Ground

At the BJP headquarters in Patna, many supporters from the Koeri community are openly supporting Samrat Choudhary.

In rural areas, many women connected to self-help groups are supporting Gayatri Devi or Renu Devi. Among the Bihari community in Delhi, discussions show a mixed reaction:

• Some say caste representation must remain the priority.
• Others believe it is time for a woman Chief Minister.

As Nitish Kumar’s long political era slowly comes to an end, Bihar is now waiting to see who will take over the Chief Minister’s chair next. The final decision from the NDA leadership is expected soon.