When she saw me walking into her home in Assam’s Barpeta district, Amina Begum attempted valiantly to get up from the bed. Her body shook as the 68-year-old tried – and failed – to raise herself. When I had visited Begum in June last year, she was not this infirm. She was walking
Violence erupts as ED raids for Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s housesDuring the raids, top CPI(M) leaders and hundreds of party workers protested outside the homes of Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur. Updated on: May 28, 2026 7:33 AM IST By Vishnu Varma Share via Copy link The Directorate
Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express cut flights as fuel costs surgeOfficials also said Air India Express would reduce some domestic frequencies, though the impact would remain below 10%. Updated on: May 28, 2026 7:43 AM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link Major Indian carriers
The two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Wednesday withdrew disqualification petitions against each other’s MLAs, and reached a truce two weeks after the rift surfaced, the Hindustan Times reported. The rift had taken place after 25 AIADMK MLAs led by former ministers
Delhi employee stunned after boss gifts him a brand-new SUV for his appraisal: ‘I was shocked’Speaking to Hindustantimes.com, a Delhi employee shared his shock at receiving a brand-new MG Hector SUV as a surprise appraisal gift. Published on: May 28
Nitish announces Rajya Sabha candidature, triggers speculation over successor

Nitish announces Rajya Sabha candidature, triggers speculation over successor
Nitish announces Rajya Sabha candidature, triggers speculation over successor
Kumar is expected to vacate the chief minister’s post only after the nomination process, election, and oath as a member of Parliament are completed
Published on: Mar 05, 2026 11:43 AM IST By Sanjeev K Jha Share via Copy link Nitish Kumar, 75, on Thursday announced his candidature for the Rajya Sabha as a Janata Dal (United) nominee, triggering speculation over who will replace him as the Bihar chief minister months after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept back to power in the state. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. (HT PHOTO) In a post X, Kumar expressed gratitude to the people of Bihar for trusting him for over 20 years, saying their support enabled him to serve the state with dedication. “The strength of your faith and support has helped Bihar present a new dimension of development and dignity,” Kumar said. He added that he had expressed his gratitude to the people on several occasions earlier. Kumar said that since the beginning of his parliamentary career, he nurtured a desire to become a member of both Houses of Parliament in addition to serving in both Houses of the state legislature. “In that sequence, I wish to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the election being held this time,” he said. Kumar reassured people that his relationship with them would remain unchanged despite the move. He said he would continue working with the people to fulfil the goal of building a developed Bihar. Kumar added he would extend full cooperation and guidance to the new government that takes charge in the state. Kumar has been the central figure in Bihar’s politics for nearly two decades. His shift to Delhi could reshape the ruling NDA in the state. Kumar is expected to vacate the chief minister’s post only after the nomination process, election, and oath as a member of Parliament are completed. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is widely expected to get the chief minister’s post. The BJP has long been the dominant partner in the alliance in terms of organisational strength and electoral performance, even though the top post in Bihar has remained with Kumar. BJP leaders are believed to have begun internal discussions and political assessments in anticipation of a post-Kumar scenario. The BJP leadership is expected to balance multiple factors while choosing Kumar’s successor. The decision will not only be about seniority but also about caste representation, coalition stability, and the broader political message the party wants to send. Caste dynamics continue to play a decisive role in Bihar’s politics, and any leadership change will take that into account. Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) are among the most influential social groups in the state. Over the years, the EBCs have largely been seen as supporters of the NDA. Political strategists believe that the next chief minister will come from a social background that reassures this important voter base and helps maintain the coalition’s social cohesion. Women voters are another important factor. In the 2025 election, women’s participation increased significantly, and welfare programmes targeting them were credited with boosting support for the NDA. Networks of women associated with self-help groups, popularly referred to as “Jeevika didis”, emerged as a strong pillar of the ruling alliance’s electoral support. The BJP is expected to factor in both caste arithmetic and expectations of women voters while picking its chief ministerial candidate. It may lead the government, but it will have to ensure that its allies back the arrangement. The JD(U) will continue to remain an important partner in the NDA and retain influence among several communities. Political observers say the BJP leadership is likely to look for a formula that preserves the coalition’s balance. Patna-based political observer Kaushalendra Priyadarshi said one possibility could be that the chief minister’s post goes to the BJP, and JD(U) continues to hold key government positions, including the deputy chief minister’s post. “Such an arrangement would help maintain stability within the alliance at a time when a leadership transition could otherwise trigger uncertainty,” he said. He said the Tejashwi Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is likely to attempt to capitalise on any dissatisfaction within the NDA, particularly if the leadership change creates friction among allies Another political analyst, Dhirendra Kumar, said that Kumar’s potential move to the Rajya Sabha may signal the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar politics. “For years, the state’s political equations revolved around Kumar’s leadership and his ability to manage shifting alliances. If he shifts to a national role, Bihar could enter a post-Nitish phase in which the BJP attempts to establish its own leadership while keeping the NDA coalition intact. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sanjeev K Jha In his reporting career of over 20 years, Sanjeev K Jha has covered bureaucracy, politics, ISI activities in border areas, music and Bollywood. Presently, he covers crime in the national Capital. National Democratic Alliance Bjp Nitish Kumar Rajya Sabha Check India news real-time updates, latest news from India, latest US Iran News Live South Africa vs New Zealand Live, at HindustanTime News / India News / Nitish Announces Rajya Sabha Candidature, Triggers Speculation Over Successor See LessNitish Kumar, 75, on Thursday announced his candidature for the Rajya Sabha as a Janata Dal (United) nominee, triggering speculation over who will replace him as the Bihar chief minister months after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept back to power in the state.
In a post X, Kumar expressed gratitude to the people of Bihar for trusting him for over 20 years, saying their support enabled him to serve the state with dedication. “The strength of your faith and support has helped Bihar present a new dimension of development and dignity,” Kumar said. He added that he had expressed his gratitude to the people on several occasions earlier.
Kumar said that since the beginning of his parliamentary career, he nurtured a desire to become a member of both Houses of Parliament in addition to serving in both Houses of the state legislature. “In that sequence, I wish to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the election being held this time,” he said.
Kumar reassured people that his relationship with them would remain unchanged despite the move. He said he would continue working with the people to fulfil the goal of building a developed Bihar. Kumar added he would extend full cooperation and guidance to the new government that takes charge in the state.
Kumar has been the central figure in Bihar’s politics for nearly two decades. His shift to Delhi could reshape the ruling NDA in the state.
Kumar is expected to vacate the chief minister’s post only after the nomination process, election, and oath as a member of Parliament are completed. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is widely expected to get the chief minister’s post. The BJP has long been the dominant partner in the alliance in terms of organisational strength and electoral performance, even though the top post in Bihar has remained with Kumar.
BJP leaders are believed to have begun internal discussions and political assessments in anticipation of a post-Kumar scenario. The BJP leadership is expected to balance multiple factors while choosing Kumar’s successor. The decision will not only be about seniority but also about caste representation, coalition stability, and the broader political message the party wants to send.
Caste dynamics continue to play a decisive role in Bihar’s politics, and any leadership change will take that into account. Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) are among the most influential social groups in the state. Over the years, the EBCs have largely been seen as supporters of the NDA. Political strategists believe that the next chief minister will come from a social background that reassures this important voter base and helps maintain the coalition’s social cohesion.
Women voters are another important factor. In the 2025 election, women’s participation increased significantly, and welfare programmes targeting them were credited with boosting support for the NDA. Networks of women associated with self-help groups, popularly referred to as “Jeevika didis”, emerged as a strong pillar of the ruling alliance’s electoral support.
The BJP is expected to factor in both caste arithmetic and expectations of women voters while picking its chief ministerial candidate. It may lead the government, but it will have to ensure that its allies back the arrangement. The JD(U) will continue to remain an important partner in the NDA and retain influence among several communities.
Political observers say the BJP leadership is likely to look for a formula that preserves the coalition’s balance.
Patna-based political observer Kaushalendra Priyadarshi said one possibility could be that the chief minister’s post goes to the BJP, and JD(U) continues to hold key government positions, including the deputy chief minister’s post.
“Such an arrangement would help maintain stability within the alliance at a time when a leadership transition could otherwise trigger uncertainty,” he said. He said the Tejashwi Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is likely to attempt to capitalise on any dissatisfaction within the NDA, particularly if the leadership change creates friction among allies
Another political analyst, Dhirendra Kumar, said that Kumar’s potential move to the Rajya Sabha may signal the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar politics. “For years, the state’s political equations revolved around Kumar’s leadership and his ability to manage shifting alliances. If he shifts to a national role, Bihar could enter a post-Nitish phase in which the BJP attempts to establish its own leadership while keeping the NDA coalition intact.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Nitish Kumar announces Rajya Sabha bid Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned over Congress rally slogans against PM Nitish Kumar to contest Rajya Sabha polls Nitish Kumar To File Rajya Sabha Nomination Today Nitish Kumar to go to Rajya Sabha Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to file nomination for Rajya Sabha today Political transition in Bihar as Nitish Kumar files Rajya Sabha nomination in Amit Shah's presence Day after Nitish Kumar filed Rajya Sabha nomination papers Nitish Kumar to take Rajya Sabha oath today Who Will Be Bihar’s Next CM As Nitish Kumar Heads to Rajya Sabha
Haier’s new Desert Rose AC comes with many tall claims like supersonic cooling, AI-driven energy savings and the ability to maintain performance even at 60°C ambient temperatures. The real question, however, is whether these features genuinely improve the day-to-day experience for everyday users
1 minutes ago
The live-in personal assistant to Friends star Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 41 months in prison, capping a multi-year legal saga surrounding the actor's death. Kenneth Iwamasa, 60, who injected Perry with ketamine, worked with two doctors to provide the actor with more than $50
1 minutes ago
TikTok appears to be experiencing a widespread outage with hundreds of users flagging issues with openig the popular social media app. According to outage tracking website Downdetector, reports of issues with TikTok spiked sharply around 6 AM ET in the United States on May 28
1 minutes ago
Global carmakers are facing a reckoning as US, European and Japanese brands lose ground to Chinese rivals setting the pace not only in electric vehicles, but also in batteries, design and software. The BBC visited factory floors in Beijing and Hefei on the sidelines of Auto China 2026 - the world's
2 minutes ago
Micah Parsons injury update: Adam Schefter gives devastating news on LB's return; ‘Will miss…’Micah Parsons is expected to miss the “first few weeks” of the upcoming season for Packers as his ACL recovers, Adam Schefter said. Updated on: May 28
2 minutes ago
Laid-off Webflow employee calls out CEO: ‘Locked out of laptop, didn’t get email’A Webflow employee has called out the company’s CEO over the way in which she handled layoffs, claiming he did not receive an email about his termination Updated on: May 28
1 minutes ago
Indian scientists have found strong evidence of subsurface ice near the Moon's south pole. Data from Chandrayaan-2's radar instrument revealed ice in craters. This discovery adds to growing evidence of water resources on the Moon. These findings will help shape future lunar missions
2 minutes ago
Gujarat Titans bowlers set new IPL records. Kagiso Rabada took the most powerplay wickets in a season. The team also achieved a historically balanced bowling performance with five bowlers taking 15 or more wickets. Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a record playoff total
2 minutes ago
The complaint alleged that Mamata Banerjee’s remarks insulted the sentiments of followers of Sanatan Dharma and promoted communal disharmony. An FIR was registered on Tuesday against TMC Chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her alleged derogatory remarks about Sanatan
2 minutes ago
Pradosh Vrat happens to be one of the most sacred fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This vrat is observed during the auspicious period on the Trayodashi tithi which starts after sunset. The time window after sunset, when Trayodashi Tithi and Pradosha time overlap
1 minutes ago
Several labour unions have demanded, in writing, that India’s labour codes be reformed to include more explicit provisions for working in extreme heat. Record-breaking heat in recent years has moved government bodies to issue advisories urging employers to reschedule working hours and make
1 minutes ago
When Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish first met Oliver Glasner in late 2023, he had no idea it would be a meeting that would change the course of the club's history. It was then sporting director, Dougie Freedman, who had set up the get-together in south London
1 minutes ago
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly set to resign Thursday following Congress high command directives, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to assume the top post. Celebrations erupted in Shivakumar's camp amid speculation
1 minutes ago
Feeling bloated after meals? Gastroenterologist shares the benefits of post-meal ‘fart walks’ to ease discomfortGoing for a short walk after meals – popularised as “fart walks” on social media – is a simple way to get your digestive tract moving and ease bloating. Published on: May 27
1 days ago
From Spielberg's epic alien drama to J-Lo in an office romcom and the return of Toy Story, these are the films to watch at the cinema and stream at home this month. "By the power of Grayskull! I – have – the power!" Readers of a certain age may remember that booming battle cry: it rang out
1 days ago
IIT Madras graduate rejected ₹10 LPA job for UPSC, later found success through trading: 'Never give up'An X post detailed the man’s 12-year struggle through UPSC preparation, failed career shifts, heartbreak and unemployment before finding success through trading Published on: May 27
1 days ago
said it has turned across all its established businesses in FY26, marking a key profitability milestone for one of India's largest platforms, as it accelerates expansion across pharmacy, and speciality care.The company said its diagnostics business crossed an annualised revenue run rate of more
1 days ago
Penpa Tsering sworn in for second term as head of Tibet’s 'government-in-exile' in DharamshalaTsering said that "Middle Way Policy" which seeks a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue and mutual benefit would be lasting. Updated on: May 27
1 days ago
As innovation becomes more open and collaborative, thanks to an AI-Driven economy, companies are rethinking how visibility is built. This article explores why presence in innovation ecosystems matters, how long-term technical credibility is earned, and why platforms such as ET AI Hackathon 2
1 days ago
Man serves lemon juice as prashad in office prank, colleagues’ reactions go viralA light-hearted office moment captured on Instagram shows lemon juice being served as prashad. Published on: May 27, 2026 4:47 PM IST By Vaishali Kapila Share via Copy link Office life can feel repetitive at times
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the government’s retrospective imposition of 28% Goods and Service Tax (GST) on companies, backing tax demands on past transactions in a ruling that could have major financial implications for the sector
1 days ago
India opens ₹15,000 crore race to build AMCA stealth fighterThe shortlisted bidders are: Tata Advanced Systems Limited; Larsen and Toubro plus Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge plus Bharat Earth Movers Limited Updated on: May 27, 2026 4:56 PM IST By Shishir Gupta Share via Copy link
1 days ago
A Chinese dissident who fled his country on a rubber boat has been detained in South Korea after spending 30 hours at sea. Dong Guangping, a former police officer and human rights activist, was found in Korean waters on Monday night. South Korea's coast guard told the BBC that Dong is under
1 days ago
Ugandan woman, suspected of Ebola infection, tests negative in KarnatakaKarnataka minister says health department continues to closely monitor the situation and remains fully prepared to take all necessary measures Updated on: May 27, 2026 4:40 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link A 28-year-old woman
1 days ago
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla asked the international community for urgent help to prevent disaster in his country, which is under a U.S. energy blockade, in a speech to the UN Security Council on Tuesdayc(May 26, 2026). “I call on the international community to mobilize to
1 days ago
Noida International Airport: Paresh Maity’s art takes flight of fancyIndian artist Paresh Maity’s two public art installations will be part of the Noida International Airport that is expected to be operational from June 2026. These include six huge panels and a bell installation represent
1 days ago
The Assam Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code bill seeking to ban polygamy and make the registration of live-in relationships compulsory, even as the Opposition demanded that it should be sent to a select committee for scrutiny
1 days ago