Does Nitish Kumar’s Exit Mark the End of Socialist Politics in Bihar?

Why would ‘Sushasan Babu’ step down from the Chief Minister’s post without gaining anything in return?

After nearly two decades of holding onto the Chief Minister’s chair in Bihar through political manoeuvring, Nitish Kumar has finally stepped down without announcing a political successor. In this manner, the ‘Nitish era’ in Bihar has come to an end without any major confrontation or resistance.

In the twilight phase of his political career, Kumar is now ready to go to the Rajya Sabha. On Thursday, 5 March, he announced on Facebook and X that going to the Rajya Sabha had long been his "heartfelt desire."

पिछले दो दशक से भी अधिक समय से आपने अपना विश्वास एवं समर्थन मेरे साथ लगातार बनाए रखा है, तथा उसी के बल पर हमने बिहार की और आप सब लोगों की पूरी निष्ठा से सेवा की है। आपके विश्वास और समर्थन की ही ताकत थी कि बिहार आज विकास और सम्मान का नया आयाम प्रस्तुत कर रहा है। इसके लिए पूर्व में…

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) March 5, 2026