Bihar is entering a crucial political phase, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar set to step down after his last cabinet meeting on April 14. With the meeting now just hours away, all eyes are on the BJP’s next move and selecting the leadership that will form the next chapter in the state.
The outgoing Prime Minister called what is likely to be the last meeting of his cabinet at 11am on April 14. Shortly after, he is expected to submit his resignation to the governor. Preparations for the transfer are already underway, with arrangements being made for an official press conference.
Nitish Kumar has also started vacating his official residence at 7, Ring Road, reinforcing signals that his exit is imminent, HT reported earlier.
Who will be the next prime minister?
The BJP, the dominant partner in the NDA coalition but has never served as chief minister in Bihar, now has a chance.
The party won 89 seats in the 2025 Lok Sabha elections, making it the largest party in the Vidhan Sabha for the first time. While its ally JD(U) won 85 seats. The NDA swept 202 of the 243 seats, diminishing the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan.
Read also | Nitish Kumar’s resignation is scheduled, and Bihar will get a new chief minister after April 14
However, the leaders remain silent. A senior BJP leader from Delhi said: “Please do not ask who’s name will be the next Prime Minister. All I can say is that this person will be from the BJP. The decision should be taken at the highest level and no one should speculate at this stage, because everything will be clear in a couple of days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will take the final decision.”
JD(U) leaders also refrained from speculation. “Everything will be clear after April 13,” said party working president Sanjay Jha.
Who are the competitors?
Three names emerged at the top of the BJP list.
Deputy Prime Minister Samrat Chaudhry is widely considered the front-runner. As a key leader of the Kushwaha community, the second largest backward caste in Bihar, his elevation would boost the party’s OBC account. He currently holds the Home Affairs portfolio and is in his second term as Deputy Prime Minister.
Read also | The countdown to the new Bihar government begins with the last Cabinet meeting on April 14
Union Minister Nityanand Rai is another strong contender. He is a four-time former MLA from Hajpur and also served as state president of BJP.
Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, a three-time MLA and former BJP president in Bihar, is currently ranked first.
However, the BJP is known to draw new cards and faces when it comes to selecting state leaders.
There’s a dynasty subplot as well. JD(U) leaders are said to be backing Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar, who recently joined the party, as a potential deputy chief minister, making him the heir to his father’s legacy within the alliance.
As the ruling alliance prepares for change, the BJP has been quick to accelerate internal consultations. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been appointed as central observer, underscoring the importance the party attaches to the leadership’s decision.
48 hours of high-stakes political activity
Both the BJP and its ally Janata Dal (United) have asked their legislators to reach Patna before the crucial meetings of their respective legislative parties. The next 48 hours are expected to determine not only the ministerial face but also the broader structure of the new government.
According to a senior JD(U) leader, the BJP may reveal its choice on the same day Nitish Kumar resigns. The declaration will then be presented to the NDA’s legislative council before demanding the formation of the government. He is expected to be sworn in on April 15.
