India, March 15 -- PURNIA/KATIHAR/KHAGARIA

The unease is evident on the face of Anita Kumari, a 45-year-old resident of Vidyarthi Tola in Bihar's Khagaria district, about 164 km east of Patna. Adjusting the pallu of her crimson sari over her head, she speaks with a mix of apprehension and disbelief.

"Jeevika ka bharosa Nitish ji pe tha, (Jeevika had confidence in Nitish)" she says, referring to the millions of women associated with the state-backed self-help group network. "Ab hum sab anaath ho jayenge. (we will now become orphans)"

Her concern reflects a wider sentiment triggered by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on March 5. Once elected to the Upper House, the move could mark the end of hi...