A dramatic political development unfolded in Bihar on Wednesday night as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly set to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for a leadership change in the state.

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally Janata Dal United (JD(U)) indicated that Nitish has “signed the papers” for his nomination, although no formal announcement has been made. His potential move comes barely three months after the NDA’s sweeping Assembly victory, where the alliance secured 202 of 243 seats.

Sources cite Nitish’s deteriorating health as a key factor behind the decision. Senior JD(U) leaders and family members reportedly met him late into the night in an effort to dissuade him from stepping down. Meanwhile, speculation is rife that a BJP leader could take over as Chief Minister, with names such as Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha being discussed.

The Opposition reacted sharply. RJD MP Manoj Jha compared the possible exit to an “abduction,” questioning the timing ahead of upcoming state elections. If confirmed, Nitish’s move would mark a major transition in Bihar’s political landscape.