Surprised to see such news: Nitish on rumors that he is eyeing a term in Rajya Sabha

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday categorically dismissed reports that he is eyeing the Rajya Sabha and said these were “baseless” and “mere speculation”. Kumar’s March 30 remarks in an informal interaction with media persons have sparked rumors that his desire to go to the Rajya Sabha is yet to be fulfilled. This created a stir in the political scene of Bihar and reports started pouring in that he would become the vice-president. The senior JD(U) leader, to which Kumar belongs, has already made it clear that the chief minister, who is completing his fourth term, will complete his five-year term and is not going anywhere.

Talking to reporters after casting his vote for the Legislative Council elections, Kumar said, “Anything is being published. I was also shocked to see such news. These are baseless and mere speculations. Voting was held on Monday for 24 seats of the 75-member Bihar Legislative Council, for which the biennial election was held almost a year ahead of schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Asked about the chances of NDA candidates coming to power in the Legislative Council elections, Kumar said, “I am confident that our alliance will win all the 24 seats in the Legislative Council.” On the current law and order situation in the state, he said that it is “totally under control. Let me tell you that crime cannot be completely eradicated from the society, but it can be effectively controlled through proper policing.” Bihar Police is doing this, he said.