Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin file Rajya Sabha nominations from Bihar | Watch

The two NDA leaders submitted their nominations in Patna in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Updated on: Mar 5, 2026, 14:12:13 IST

By HT News Desk

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin, on Thursday, filed their nominations for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The two NDA leaders submitted their nominations in Patna in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah

WATCH: Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin file Rajya Sabha nominations from Bihar

In his first remarks after reports of his Rajya Sabha nomination, Nitish Kumar assured that his resolve to work for the state will remain steady, affirming "full cooperation and guidance" to the new government that will be formed.

Who will be next Bihar chief minister?

With Nitish Kumar's nomination, the chief minister's seat will be vacated, and two names have emerged as the key contenders for the top post.

Also read| Nitish Kumar eyes Rajya Sabha seat: Who will be the next Bihar chief minister?

People familiar with the matter have told HT that Samrat Choudhary and Nityanand Rai are the likely contenders for the chief minister's seat. An official confirmation regarding who will become the next Bihar CM is expected soon.

Samrat Choudhary, who is also one of the deputy chief ministers in the state, is expected to be elevated to the top rank after Kumar's Rajya Sabha nomination.

Also read| 'Full cooperation to new govt': Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's first remark on Rajya Sabha move

Choudhary has been an integral part of Bihar politics. From his tenure as a Panchayati Raj Minister to his current holding of the home affairs portfolio for the state, the BJP leader has held key posts and is currently in his second stint as deputy chief minister.

Nityanand Rai is also likely to be in the running. Rai is currently serving as the Minister of State for Home Affairs. Before his stint with the Centre, Rai served as the BJP president for Bihar and is a four-time MLA from Hajipur.

In 2015, Rai won a parliamentary ticket and served as an MP from Ujiarpur.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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