Politics – Nitish Kumar Intensifies Campaign as Bihar Sees Key Political Developments
Politics – Chief Minister Nitish Kumar continues to maintain an active political presence in Bihar as the state prepares for upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and witnesses several significant political developments. Despite speculation about shifting political equations, Kumar appears determined to strengthen his political position while highlighting the work carried out by his government over the past two decades.
Nitish Kumar files nomination for Rajya Sabha
Nitish Kumar recently submitted his nomination papers for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections. If elected as expected, he is likely to take the oath as a member of the Upper House around April 10. The move marks another important step in his long political career and signals his continued influence in Bihar’s political landscape.
At present, the chief minister is visiting several districts in the Kosi and Seemanchal regions. During these visits, he has been addressing public gatherings and reviewing developmental work completed during his tenure. In his speeches, Kumar has repeatedly pointed to improvements in infrastructure, governance reforms, and social welfare initiatives that his government claims to have delivered over the last twenty years.
Alongside highlighting his government’s achievements, Kumar has also used the opportunity to criticise Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad. The chief minister has accused Prasad of encouraging corruption and promoting family-based politics during his time in power. These remarks appear to be part of a broader attempt to sharpen political differences ahead of future electoral contests.
Meanwhile, Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, has recently joined the Janata Dal (United). Political observers believe his entry into the party could signal a generational transition within the organisation. Some party insiders have suggested that Nishant Kumar may eventually be considered for a key leadership role, including the possibility of being appointed deputy chief minister in a future government formation.
Retired army officer Syed Ata Hasnain appointed governor
In another major development, retired Indian Army officer Syed Ata Hasnain has been appointed as the new Governor of Bihar. He succeeds Arif Mohammad Khan, who held the position for just over a year.
Hasnain reached Patna ahead of the official swearing-in ceremony scheduled for March 14. The oath of office will be administered by the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.
Before entering constitutional service, Hasnain served in the Indian Army for nearly four decades. During his long military career, he held several important positions and gained extensive experience in security and strategic operations.
His appointment has also sparked political discussion in the state. Some political circles have linked the development to ongoing plans by the central government to strengthen security arrangements in the Seemanchal region. There have also been reports of proposed initiatives aimed at addressing concerns related to illegal infiltration in border areas. However, official details regarding these plans have not yet been fully disclosed.
Dissident Congress leaders plan protest in Patna
Internal tensions within the Bihar unit of the Congress party are expected to surface publicly on March 17, when a group of dissident leaders plans to stage a demonstration outside the party’s state headquarters at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna.
The protesting leaders have also announced the organisation of an event titled “Save Bihar Congress Mahasammelan” on the same day. The gathering is expected to bring together party workers and supporters who are dissatisfied with the current functioning of the state leadership.
Former All India Congress Committee member Anand Madhav has been among the most vocal critics. According to him, the party’s structure in Bihar is facing serious internal challenges, including allegations of mismanagement and organisational disorder.
Madhav claimed that the Congress party’s support base in the state has been steadily shrinking. He alleged that the influence of intermediaries and power brokers within the party has weakened its grassroots connection with voters.
He also stated that the dissenting leaders are determined to protect the party’s identity in Bihar and will oppose any move that they believe undermines its organisational integrity.
Madhav and six other leaders associated with the protest had earlier been expelled from the party on charges of engaging in activities considered detrimental to the organisation.