As Rajya Sabha member, Nitish Kumar to get Z-Plus security

Nitish Kumar, who got elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16, is expected to take over after the expiry of the term of retiring members this month.

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will enjoy Z-Plus security cover after entering the Rajya Sabha, according to a notification issued here by the state home department.

As the CM, Kumar enjoyed a special security cover provided under the state's Bihar Special Security Act, 2000, which is modelled after the SPG Act meant for the Prime Minister.

The notification said that the decision about providing security to Kumar was taken in view of the JD(U) president's imminent move to Parliament, which would require him to give up the chief minister's post.

Kumar, who got elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16, is expected to take over after the expiry of the term of retiring members this month.

The biennial polls were held for five Rajya Sabha seats in the state, the tenures of which will end on April 9.

Speculations are rife that Kumar, who gave up the membership of the state Legislative Council earlier this week, could relinquish the CM's post before getting sworn in as the Rajya Sabha member or a few days later.