Nitish Kumar's desire for Rajya Sabha ignite speculation

Patna: Despite the difficulty of his alliance with the BJP, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed interest in one day serving in the Rajya Sabha.

By doing so, he would have matched the record of two of his contemporaries - Lalu Yadav and Sushil Modi - who had served in all houses of the legislature and the assembly.

Earlier today, Nitish Kumar noted to reporters in his office at the Bihar assembly that he also hoped to someday belong to the Rajya Sabha. Up to now, he has served in the Bihar assembly, legislative council, and Lok Sabha.

As a result of Nitish Kumar's comments to journalists in an informal discussion, huge speculation followed that he was eyeing another leadership position.

His candidacy for the vacant vice presidency in the coming days is not a secret.

The question was whether or not Mr Kumar would consider running for the Nalanda seat, since he has been touring the now abolished constituency of Barh, which he had won five times. A significant part of Barh now lies within Nalanda's boundaries.

The Chief Minister said there was no chance.

However, when asked if he would be interested in joining the Rajya Sabha, he replied, "I won't mind going to the Rajya Sabha but for now, I have the responsibilities of Chief Minister. I have been Chief Minister for over 16 years, so I don't know..."

Politicians are interpreting Mr Kumar's wish differently.

It has been alleged by a section of Bihar's NDA leaders that he has been approached about a coveted job in Delhi or that he has suggested to the BJP that he would be prepared to consider a move to Delhi but in exchange for something substantial.

Mr Kumar's Janata Dal United won fewer seats than the BJP and placed third overall after winning a second straight term in Bihar, but with a greatly diminished status in the BJP's alliance.

With the BJP no longer second fiddle to Mr Kumar, the partnership has become strained over the past two years.