CM Nitish Kumar Resigns from Bihar Legislative Council

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned from his membership in the Legislative Council on Monday, fulfilling a mandatory constitutional requirement before he assumes office as a Rajya Sabha member.

Constitutional Compliance Nitish Kumar, who won election to the Rajya Sabha on March 16, must vacate his current legislative seat within 14 days to secure his new position. MLC Sanjay Gandhi submitted the resignation letter on the Chief Minister’s behalf to ensure compliance with this mandate.

Although the resignation technically necessitates his departure as Chief Minister, constitutional provisions allow him to hold the office for up to six months without membership in either state House. During this window, he must either regain a seat in the Bihar legislature or choose a different political path.

A Rare Political Milestone This transition marks a historic “grand slam” in Indian politics. With his formal induction into the Upper House scheduled for April 10, Nitish Kumar will become one of the few leaders to have served in all four legislative bodies:

• Bihar Legislative Assembly (MLA from Harnaut, 1985)

• Lok Sabha (Member of Parliament)

• Bihar Legislative Council (Member since 2006)

• Rajya Sabha (Commencing April 2026)

End of an Era in the State Council The resignation concludes Kumar’s 18-year tenure in the Bihar Legislative Council. Since becoming Chief Minister in November 2005, he has consistently governed through the Upper House rather than contesting Assembly elections. He served four consecutive terms in the Council (2006, 2012, 2018, and 2024) before this move to the national stage.