File photo: Nishant Kumar

NEW DELHI: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is a rare regional heavyweight who has been vocal in his disdain of dynastic politics and made it a point to keep his family members, including his only son Nishant, out of any limelight. As politics would have it, Nishant is now being seen by the JDU cadre with keen anticipation to step in to keep the party rooted to its support base as his father moves out of his two-decade long stewardship of Bihar.As Nishant Kumar appears set to make his political debut, the decision has been driven as much by filial considerations as by political necessity.Signs of unease in a section of JDU workers over post-Nitish era were visible after a swift turn of events leading to the CM filing his nomination for Rajya Sabha, as some cried, some raised slogans and some toppled furniture and threw plates at the party’s Patna headquarters, which was to host a lunch, as it became clear that their ‘leader’ is set to pass the baton, in all likelihood, to a BJP nominee.JDU MP, Kaushalendra Kumar, Nitish’s choice to represent his home turf of Nalanda in Lok Sabha since 2014, said supporters of the Bihar’s longest serving CM are feeling sad. “If Nishant joins politics, they will be feel a little assuaged,” he said, emphasising that everyone in the party will finally go by what Nitish says.Kaushalendra, like Nitish, hails from the Kurmi community, whose members, including legislators of the party, are believed to be propelling the move to bring Nishant into politics.Several party members have said he will soon be joining politics. While there is no confirmation from the JDU brass on the role to be assigned to the 50-year-old engineering graduate, indications have been given that he will be joining the new Bihar govt as a deputy CM.With Nitish’s stint in Rajya Sabha to begin once the outgoing members retire on April 9, party functionaries said there is a month left to finalise details.JDU’s core support base has traditionally included Kurmis, sections of backward castes and Dalits, and while it has shown signs of fraying for several years, Kurmis remain solidly behind Nitish.With key confidants of Nitish coming from upper castes, there is a view from the party’s base that his son should be given a key role to convey continuity and its readiness for future battles as his father shows signs of withdrawing from the gruelling field of state politics.

NEW DELHI: After two decades at the helm of Bihar, Nitish Kumar has finally ceded the seat that he made his own, kicking up a storm of reaction from angry supporters and criticism from the opposition that cited it as another example of BJP “cannibalising” its allies like in Maharashtra.But Kumar appeared to go quietly, posting on X his desire to work in Parliament.The aloofness of his departure, as witnessed in his announcement, matched the icy wiliness with which he ensured post-2005 that he stayed in the CM’s seat, irrespective of who he went with or which among the allies had more MLAs. After all, it was nothing short of a ‘Paltu Ram’ act that saw him win a majority to eject Lalu Prasad’s RJD from Patna in 2005 before joining hands with RJD and Congress in Bihar. In 2015, as part of “Mahagathbandhan”, he humiliated BJP that had just stormed to office in Delhi led by Narendra Modi. He returned to NDA in 2017, then turned to RJD and Congress in 2022, before realigning with BJP in Jan 2024. All this while, he resigned and took oath as CM.The flip-flops were not just about parties, but also about ideology and players, moving from being a “never-Modi” to a willing partner of the PM. But through his ideological shifts, Kumar carved a niche that had not been witnessed before – as an OBC politician who brought a “Mandal-plus” age-nda to the fore in a backward state, and as a strategist who worked to carve a personal constituency for himself. He stood out also for being a rarity-an OBC politician from the north who could govern well, and was not tainted by corruption allegations.Kumar’s equity with voters was on display during the 2025 assembly elections. As his growing gaffes and eccentricities coupled with a prolonged absence from public view led to questions about his mental acuity, the opposition stepped up its campaign that BJP would install its own CM, like it had done in Maharashtra. BJP increased Kumar’s campaign rallies and announcements. That is said to have done the trick by reinforcing the “Jodya Modi-Nitish ke hit hoi” (Modi-Nitish partnership will prevail) message. On the road to entrenching himself as a satrap, Kumar was helped by the low bar set by his once comrade-in-arms Lalu. He made “clean administration” and “crime” issues that he and BJP hammered on for years to keep rival RJD on the backfoot.But the real cunning lay in thinking of a strategy to overcome RJD’s advantage on caste front in a state that has an overwhelmingly large OBC/Dalit population. This is where Kumar set a template that was later emulated by other states. Hailing from the Kurmi caste of OBCs that has a minuscule population share, Kumar moved with alacrity to fragment the OBC population by categorising them along “developmental” status – backwards and most backwards. He cornered the loyalty of a large chunk of “aspirational” OBC communities, while turning “Yadavisation” into a stick to beat the rival with. The polarisation of “Yadav vs non-Yadavs” sustained him for two decades. Kumar tried the same with “Dalits vs Maha Dalits” but failed as political compulsions forced him to dilute the “Maha Dalit” tag by including stronger communities.The game changer was when his search for a personal constituency led him to focus on the pan-caste category of “women”. From his earliest signalling through reservations in panchayats to bicycles for girls to microfinance loans/self-help groups, to dole for women, the JDU leader fused his “welfarism” with “development” to earn the loyalty of a key voting bloc. Questions remain whether women vote independently from family and caste factors, but it consolidated pro-JDU sections at multiple levels, diluting factors like anti-incumbency.To successfully create personalised loyalty in the shifting sands of competitive caste politics is a feat that remains unrivalled since Lalu’s ejection from the Patna throne.

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NEW DELHI/PATNA: After dominating Bihar’s political landscape for nearly two decades and taking oath as chief minister a record 10 times, Nitish Kumar now appears set for a transition to the Rajya Sabha — a move that could mark the closing chapter of an extraordinary state-level career.A disciple of socialist stalwart Ram Manohar Lohia, Nitish cut his political teeth in the JP movement and was among the young leaders jailed during the Emergency. He was first elected MLA in 1985 — the last time he contested an assembly election. Since then, he has functioned either as an MLC or a Member of Parliament.

He entered the Lok Sabha from Barh in 1989 and represented the constituency for 15 years. In 1999, he served as railway minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government before becoming Bihar chief minister for the first time in 2000.What followed was a remarkable run: nine more stints as CM, navigating shifting alliances between the NDA and the RJD-Congress combine, while retaining his centrality in Bihar’s fractured politics.The 75-year-old JD(U) leader is expected to file his nomination in Patna on Thursday in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah and other senior NDA leaders. His shift to the Upper House is widely seen as paving the way for the BJP to install its own chief minister in Bihar for the first time.

Sources indicated that Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar, is likely to formally enter politics by joining the state government. While speculation is rife that he could be accommodated as deputy chief minister, there is no official clarity yet on his role or portfolio.Alongside Nitish, four other NDA nominees — including BJP state president Nitin Nabin, Union minister Ram Nath Thakur, and RLSP leader Upendra Kushwaha — are also set to file nominations.

BJP’s moment in Bihar

The BJP has played junior partner to Nitish since aligning with him in 1996 and continued backing him for the top post even in 2020 and 2025, despite emerging stronger in terms of MLAs. Party leaders cited his seniority and acceptability as key reasons.However, concerns over Nitish’s health and advancing age had sparked speculation about a transition. While the timing has come earlier than expected, NDA insiders believe it will allow the new leadership sufficient time to settle in before the next electoral cycle.Nitish’s Rajya Sabha tenure will formally begin after April 9, once the outgoing members retire, meaning he may continue as CM until then.

Frontrunners for top post

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary is widely seen as the leading contender. A prominent Kushwaha leader — the second-largest OBC community after Yadavs — Choudhary rose rapidly within BJP ranks, serving as state unit president before being appointed deputy CM and entrusted with the home portfolio.Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai is another serious contender. A seasoned organisational figure and a Yadav leader, his elevation could help BJP make deeper inroads into a community traditionally aligned with Lalu Prasad’s RJD.If BJP appoints its own CM, it would mark a symbolic milestone, placing the party at the helm across the Hindi-speaking belt, barring Himachal Pradesh.

JD(U) recalibration

Within JD(U), the leadership appears to have reconciled to a diminished role in the alliance. Signals of an impending shift were visible when Nitish ceded the home portfolio to BJP earlier this term — a first in his long tenure.Nishant’s likely induction is viewed as an attempt to energise JD(U)’s cadre and consolidate support among backward and Dalit communities amid uncertainty over the party’s future.Nitish has dominated Bihar politics since 2005, barring a brief interlude after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when he handed over charge to Jitan Ram Manjhi following JD(U)’s poor performance. Over the years, he shifted alliances — breaking with BJP, aligning with RJD, and returning to the NDA — while retaining his position as the pivot in Bihar’s fragmented political landscape.Even as the party publicly reiterated that “Nitish Kumar is the most accepted leader of Bihar,” sections within JD(U) are said to be uneasy. Some fear his move to Delhi could be interpreted as a forced exit, especially if BJP installs its own chief minister.The coming days are expected to formally mark the end of an era in Bihar politics — and the beginning of a new power equation in the state.

Winning a semifinal of a T20 World Cup on the home ground was a special moment for Suryakumar Yadav. On March 5, India defeated England by 7 runs, confirming a berth in the Final.

It was a cracking match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India went to bat first and scored 253. England, despite multiple early blows, managed to score 246 runs. All the fans at the stadium were on their toes till the final over of the match.

It’s an unbelievable feeling: Suryakumar Yadav

After the match, with a smile on his face, Mumbai-born Suryakumar Yadav said it was an unbelievable moment for him, as they are all set to play the final in front of their home crowd. The night is special for the whole team as well.

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“It’s an unbelievable feeling. Obviously, playing in India, leading such a wonderful side, and with the World Cup happening here, going to Ahmedabad to play that final. I think it’s a special feeling for all the boys”, the team India captain said.

Sanju Samson was awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant 89-run knock against 42 balls. Yadav praised Samson for the standout innings. The skipper mentioned that Sanju Samson knew that the pitch was good for batting. So, despite losing early wickets, he kept pushing on the paddle to rotate the strike as much as possible.

Yadav praised Sanju Samson for his brilliant batting

“I think he knew what he wanted to do as soon as he went in to bat. Even when a wicket fell, he knew the wicket was good, so he kept pressing the pedal. The way he batted was exactly what the team required. It was due after all the hard work he’s been putting in over the last year. It was a special knock today”, Suryakumar Yadav praised the main difference maker of the rivalry tonight.

Despite registering the historic win, Yadav was impressed with the valiant effort made by the England cricket team. He credited the England batters for their efforts. For the England cricket team, Jacob Bethell scored 105 runs under pressure.

“Oh my God! I just told Harry Brook, “How much more do we need to score against you guys?” But honestly, it was a good wicket. The way they batted, I don’t want to take credit away from them. They were always in the game and always in the chase”, he added.

Suryakumar Yadav praised the bowlers as well

Along with Sanju Samson, the leader of the Men in Blue praised his bowlers as well to restrict the opposite side from chasing the total. Yadav specially mentioned Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in his comments after the match. Bumrah, in his 4-over spell, took the wicket of England skipper Harry Brook and offered only 33 runs.

“But the way Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and the other bowlers pulled the game back was unbelievable. We all know what he’s capable of and what he’s done for India over the years (on Jasprit Bumrah). He did the same thing again today, raised his hand, and showed character to pull the game away from them. It was a special bowling performance”, Yadav said about Bumrah and the other leading bowlers of the team.

Read More: NOT Suryakumar Yadav! Sanju Samson credits Bumrah after winning POTM vs England

Priyanka Chopra is heading to the Oscars!After taking over the Golden Globes red carpet, the actress is now gearing up to present an award at the upcoming Oscars ceremony on March 15. Reacting to the announcement, Priyanka shared the post on her handle and captioned it as, “The 2026 Academy Awards.”Chopra last presented an award at the Golden Globes, where she was joined by K-Pop superstar Lisa, who made her acting debut with the hit series ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3.

‘Iron Man’ reunion

An ‘Iron Man’ reunion may just be coming to the Oscars with Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. set to present at the show. While it remains unclear if they will share screen-space in the upcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, the two have been listed as presenters for the awards show. In an oficial post on their handle, the Academy executive producers revealed a new batch of presenters Thursday, including Anne Hathaway, Will Arnett and Paul Mescal.

Other stars presenting awards

They join the previously announced group of last year’s best actor winners Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison and supporting actor winners Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana. The Oscars frequently have the previous year’s winners present Oscar trophies in the acting categories.Over the past weeks, actors including Chris Evans, Javier Bardem, Maya Rudolph, Chase Infiniti, Demi Moore and Kumail Nanjiani, were also announced as presenters for the 98th annual Academy Awards.More presenters will be announced ahead of the March 15 ceremony, which will be hosted by Conan O’Brien. The show will air live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific.Last year’s show saw Saldana, Madison and Culkin become first-time Oscar winners. Brody won his second best actor trophy, for his role in “The Brutalist.”

Who is nominated for an Oscar this year?

‘Sinners’ is this year’s leading nominee, breaking the record for most nominations by a single film with 16.This year’s nominees for best actress are Jessie Buckley for ‘Hamnet’, Rose Byrne for ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’, Renate Reinsve for ‘Sentimental Value’, Emma Stone for ‘Bugonia’ and Kate Hudson for ‘Song Sung Blue’.The best actor nominees are Timothee Chalamet for ‘Marty Supreme’, Leonardo DiCaprio for ‘One Battle After Another’, Ethan Hawke for ‘Blue Moon’, Michael B. Jordan for ‘Sinners’ and Wagner Moura for ‘The Secret Agent’.In the supporting actor categories, the nominees are Jacob Elordi for ‘Frankenstein’, Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro for ‘One Battle After Another’, Stellan Skarsgard for ‘Sentimental Value’ and Delroy Lindo for ‘Sinners’.The supporting actress nominees are Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for ‘Sentimental Value’, Amy Madigan for ‘Weapons’, Wunmi Mosaku for ‘Sinners’ and Teyana Taylor for ‘One Battle After Another’.

Who is performing at the show?

The show will feature live performances of best song nominees ‘Golden’, from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, and ‘I Lied to You’, from ‘Sinners’.