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 filed their nominations in Patna in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Watch: Nitish Kumar and Nitin Nabin file Rajya Sabha nominations from Bihar
In his first comments after reports of his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, Nitish Kumar asserted that his determination to work for the state will remain steadfast, assuring “full cooperation and guidance” to the new government to be formed.
Who will be the next chief minister of Bihar?
With Nitish Kumar’s nomination, the chief minister’s seat will fall vacant, and two names have emerged as major contenders for the top job.
Read also Nitish Kumar eyes Rajya Sabha seat: Who will be the next chief minister of Bihar?
People familiar with the matter told HT that Samrat Chaudhary and Nityanand Rai are the likely contenders for the chief minister’s seat. An official confirmation on who will become the next Chief Minister of Bihar is expected soon.
Samrat Chaudhary, who is also one of the state’s deputy chief ministers, is expected to be elevated to the highest rank after Kumar’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
Read also ‘Full cooperation with new government’: First comment from Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Rajya Sabha move
Chaudhary has been an integral part of Bihar politics. From taking over as Panchayati Raj Minister to his current tenure as state home affairs portfolio, the BJP leader has held key positions and is currently in his second term as Deputy Chief Minister.
Nityanand Rai is also likely to be in the race. Rai currently holds the position of Minister of State for Interior Affairs. Before his stint with the Centre, Rai served as the state president of the BJP in Bihar and was a four-time MLA from Hajipur.
In 2015, Rai won a parliamentary ticket and served as MP from Ujjarpur.
