NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his heartiest congratulations to Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) supremo and outgoing Bihar Chief Minister, as he took his oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha.
In a warm post on X, the Prime Minister reflected on Kumar’s decades-long political journey, marking his return to the hallowed halls of Parliament after a gap of more than 20 years.
Praising a Legacy of Good Governance
Prime Minister Modi described Nitish Kumar as “one of the most experienced leaders in the country,” noting that his return would significantly enhance the dignity and discourse of the Upper House.
“Shri Nitish Kumar Ji is one of the most experienced leaders in the country. His commitment to good governance has been appreciated everywhere. He has made an indelible contribution to the development of Bihar. It will be a great pleasure to see him in Parliament once again.” — PM Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that Kumar’s extensive background as a former Union Minister and long-term legislator would offer invaluable “guidance” to the House.
A Historic Milestone: The “Four-House” Elite
With his induction into the Rajya Sabha today, Nitish Kumar joins an elite and rare group of Indian politicians who have served in all four legislative bodies:
- Lok Sabha (Member of Parliament)
- Rajya Sabha (Member of Parliament)
- Bihar Legislative Assembly (MLA)
- Bihar Legislative Council (MLC)
Kumar had arrived in the national capital on Thursday, accompanied by senior JD(U) leaders Sanjay Jha and Vijay Kumar Choudhary, to complete the formalities for his new role. He had previously resigned from his seat in the Bihar Legislative Council on March 30, following his unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha on March 16.
Political Shifts: The Road Ahead for Bihar
Nitish Kumar’s move to the Centre marks a seismic shift in Bihar’s political landscape. By moving to the Rajya Sabha, Kumar is effectively paving the way for a transition of power in Patna.
- The CM Succession: Speculation is rife that the BJP, which emerged as the largest party in the 2026 Bihar Assembly polls, will soon see its first-ever Chief Minister in the state.
- National Role: Analysts suggest that Kumar’s return to New Delhi may signal a significant coordinating role within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the national level, leveraging his experience to navigate complex coalition dynamics.
Congratulations for Harivansh Narayan Singh
In the same thread of announcements, the Prime Minister also congratulated Harivansh Narayan Singh, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, following his nomination by President Droupadi Murmu for a third term. Modi praised Singh as a “respected intellectual” whose “profound thoughts and insights” have consistently enriched parliamentary proceedings.
As the Budget Session of 2026 continues, the arrival of such veteran leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on institutional knowledge and seasoned political discourse to the “House of Elders.”