Bihar is set to witness a change in leadership today, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar set to step down after nearly two decades in power. As the state prepares to form a BJP-led government, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has emerged as the front-runner to succeed him. The BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet in Patna on Tuesday under Central Controller Shivraj Singh Chouhan to elect its leader, whose name will then be formally ratified by NDA legislators – effectively confirming Bihar’s next chief minister.
path Live updates on Bihar CM announcement here
Nitish Kumar’s Last Day: Routine, Reflection, and Transition
Even as intense political activity unfolded around the formation of the government, Nitish Kumar spent his last full day in office on Monday, largely following his routine.
He inspected key infrastructure projects, including the four-lane Bakarpur-Manikpur road in Saran and the bridge being built parallel to the GB Setu in Patna – projects that symbolize his government’s focus on connectivity and development. Later, he visited his new residence at 7 Ring Road, where he is expected to move after leaving office.
His final Cabinet meeting on Tuesday is expected to be largely ceremonial, with a one-point agenda of his colleagues expressing gratitude for his role in Bihar’s “transformational journey”, according to party leaders.
But behind the scenes, the Janata Dal (United) remains deeply involved in negotiations over the contours of a new NDA government in the state. Discussions included the position of deputy chief minister and the possible role of Nishant Kumar, although he is said to be reluctant to join the government despite support from sections of the party.
Senior leaders like Sanjay Jha and Lalan Singh held back-to-back meetings with Samrat Chaudhary. Political symbolism was also evident at the JD(U) office, where old posters of “25 se 30 fir se Nitish” were removed, signaling the end of an era.
These developments sparked sharp criticism from Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav, who described Nitish Kumar’s resignation as a “forced decision” and a betrayal of the people’s mandate.
Strong signals are in favor of Samrat Chaudhary
While the BJP is yet to officially announce its choice for chief minister, several developments suggest that Samrat Chaudhary is the main contender.
His residence has emerged as a center of political and administrative activity, hosting senior leaders and officials.
The visits of senior bureaucrats, including the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Secretary to the Governor, were interpreted as a strong signal of a leadership transition.
His growing profile within the BJP and appearances in key campaign roles have strengthened his claim. Even rival leaders have publicly acknowledged his prospects, reflecting a widespread consensus about his potential promotion.
Other names like Nityanand Rai, Vijay Kumar Sinha and Dilip Jaiswal were under discussion, but the momentum seems strongly in Chaudhary’s favour.
The BJP is set to lead Bihar for the first time
Nitish Kumar’s move to Rajya Sabha and resignation marks a tectonic shift in Bihar politics, with the BJP poised to lead an NDA government in the state for the first time. The NDA currently enjoys a comfortable majority in the 243-member council, ensuring a smooth transition.
After the meetings, it is expected that the new leader will demand the formation of the government. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held on April 15 at Lok Bhawan, and senior leaders such as Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are expected to attend.
