Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in JD(U) meeting. File photo
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to move to the Rajya Sabha after filing his nomination, a step that will require him to resign from the post of Chief Minister. Although he has described the decision as a personal choice, many workers of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) are finding it difficult to accept the development.
While party workers have expressed anger and staged protests, several ministers have admitted that they too are saddened by the decision.
Bihar minister Zama Khan said the people of Bihar do not want Nitish Kumar to leave the state for Delhi. “People across Bihar appreciate the work of the Chief Minister. The entire state is distressed by this development. We are also hurt. As far as the anger among JD(U) workers is concerned, I appeal to them to remain patient and show courage,” he said.
“I do not wish to comment on the opposition. The working style of Nitish Kumar is appreciated across Bihar. The whole state is emotional about this decision, and no one wants him to leave Bihar,” he added.
Another close aide of the Chief Minister and minister Shravan Kumar said that while the leadership stands firmly behind Nitish Kumar’s decision to move to the Rajya Sabha, it is true that party workers and supporters are deeply upset.
“Nitish Kumar is a popular Chief Minister of Bihar. We stand by his political decision. Legislators, MPs and his supporters are saddened by this move, but we must stand firmly with our leader. That would be our true gratitude towards him,” he said.
Following the announcement of Nitish Kumar’s decision to contest for the Rajya Sabha, JD(U) workers have been staging protests. Chaos was witnessed at the party office on Friday as well. During the demonstration, posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi were blackened. Protesters also accused leaders such as Sanjay Jha and Rajiv Ranjan Singh of conspiring with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The election is scheduled for 16 March, after which he may resign as Chief Minister at any time. Prior to filing the nomination, he shared a post on social media stating that he had previously served in all three Houses of the legislature and had long wished to become a member of the Rajya Sabha, which is why he decided to move to Delhi.
After Nitish Kumar steps down, it is widely expected that the next Chief Minister of Bihar will be from the Bharatiya Janata Party, although a formal announcement is yet to be made. Political circles believe the Chief Minister will be from the BJP, while the Deputy Chief Minister’s post may go to the JD(U).
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