Bihar’s political landscape is once again in the spotlight as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar embarks on a two-day visit to New Delhi, a move that has set tongues wagging in Patna and beyond. On December 21, 2025, Kumar left for the national capital, his first trip there since leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to a resounding victory in the recent Bihar assembly elections and being sworn in for a record fifth consecutive term just a month ago, according to The New Indian Express and The Hindu.
Officially, the visit is described as routine. Nitish Kumar is scheduled for a full medical checkup at AIIMS Delhi, including treatment for his eyes—a practice he maintains at least once a year. A senior official from the Chief Minister’s secretariat told The New Indian Express, “Nitish’s visit to New Delhi is a part of his regular health checkup.” Doctors at AIIMS have been monitoring his health for years, and his previous visit included a successful cataract surgery at the same institution.
Yet, it’s not just medical matters on the agenda. Political observers and party insiders suggest that this trip carries significant political undertones, given the timing and the recent shake-ups within the NDA. After his health checkup, Nitish is expected to meet top NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sources cited by The Hindu indicate that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and influential regional leaders such as Yogi Adityanath, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Devendra Fadnavis may also be part of the discussions.
This flurry of high-level meetings comes at a time when the NDA is riding high in Bihar, having secured an overwhelming majority in the state assembly. The alliance’s dominance positions it to potentially claim multiple Rajya Sabha and Bihar Legislative Council seats in the 2026 elections, possibly at the expense of a weakened opposition, as noted by The Hindu.
Chief among the topics expected to dominate the talks is the expansion of the Bihar state cabinet, a process that has been on hold but is now anticipated to take place after Makar Sankranti, which falls on January 15, 2026. According to sources close to the Janata Dal (United) chief, “Expansion of the State cabinet could figure prominently in the talks, with the exercise expected to take place after Makar Sankranti.” This reshuffle is seen as crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of power between the JD(U) and its ally, the BJP, especially with several key portfolios up for grabs.
The cabinet expansion is further complicated by the recent appointment of Nitin Nabin, a five-term MLA from Bihar, as the BJP’s working national president. Nabin’s elevation has led to his resignation from the state cabinet, creating a vacancy that must be filled. Political analysts are closely watching the BJP’s moves, as the new leadership at both the national and state levels could signal a shift in the party’s strategy and its approach to coalition politics in Bihar. The appointment has left “political pandits guessing about the party’s future plans,” as reported by The New Indian Express.
But perhaps the most intriguing subplot is the possible political debut of Nishant, Nitish Kumar’s only son. Long considered a private figure, the 47-year-old Nishant has largely stayed out of the public eye. However, recent remarks from JD(U) working president and close Nitish aide Sanjay Kumar Jha have fueled speculation about Nishant’s entry into politics. Jha told The New Indian Express, “There was a strong sentiment within the party in favour of Nishant’s entry into public life and expressed hope that the reclusive 47-year-old would take a decision.”
This development has added a new layer of intrigue to Bihar’s political theater. The prospect of a dynastic succession is not new in Indian politics, but in Bihar—where Nitish Kumar has built his reputation on governance and coalition-building—the potential entry of his son could reshape party dynamics and succession plans. The topic is expected to be discussed during Nitish’s meetings in Delhi, with party insiders suggesting that the timing may be right given the JD(U)’s current position of strength.
Meanwhile, the upcoming elections to a handful of Rajya Sabha and Bihar Legislative Council seats, due in 2026, are also on the agenda. With the NDA’s commanding majority in the assembly, the alliance is widely expected to secure several of these seats. As sources told The Hindu, “With its overwhelming majority in the Assembly, the NDA is expected to be in a position to secure several seats at the expense of the weakened opposition.” This could further consolidate the NDA’s hold over Bihar’s political machinery and give it greater leverage in national politics.
Notably, Nitish Kumar’s visit to the capital has sent the political temperature soaring in Bihar. Every move is being scrutinized, and the secrecy surrounding some aspects of his itinerary has only added to the speculation. The official line remains that the trip is primarily for health reasons, but as one senior official put it to The New Indian Express, “He refused to disclose his other programmes,” hinting at the possibility of behind-the-scenes political maneuvering.
The context for these developments is important. Nitish Kumar’s fifth consecutive term as Chief Minister is a historic achievement, reflecting both his enduring popularity and his ability to navigate the often-turbulent waters of Bihar’s coalition politics. The recent victory was marked by a grand swearing-in ceremony in Patna, attended by top BJP leaders and regional heavyweights—a testament to the importance of Bihar in the national political calculus.
The relationship between the JD(U) and BJP, while generally cooperative, has not been without its tensions. The upcoming cabinet expansion and leadership changes within the BJP are likely to test the alliance’s cohesion. Both parties are keenly aware of the need for coordination, especially as they prepare to fulfill pre-poll promises and manage the expectations of their respective constituencies over the next five years.
For Nitish Kumar, the stakes are high. Balancing his personal health, party unity, alliance management, and the looming question of succession will require all the political skill he’s honed over decades in public life. With the NDA’s fortunes in Bihar at a high point, the decisions made during this Delhi visit could shape not only the state’s immediate future but also its role on the national stage.
Bihar’s political scene rarely lacks for drama or intrigue, and this latest chapter—combining routine medical care with high-stakes political calculus—shows just how quickly the ordinary can become extraordinary in Indian politics. As the capital’s winter fog settles in, all eyes remain on Nitish Kumar’s next move.
