Bihar is on the cusp of its biggest political change in two decades as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to resign on April 14.
Kumar was sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP a week ago, marking a decisive shift that is expected to end his 20-year-long tenure as Bihar Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, the BJP has appointed Shivraj Singh Chouhan as central observer to oversee the selection of the next CM of Bihar. He is expected to arrive in Patna on April 14.
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Before resigning, Kumar will convene a meeting of his cabinet on April 14 at 11 am, after which he is expected to visit Raj Bhavan to tender his resignation as chief minister immediately to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain.
JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha had told reporters that the process of formation of a new government was likely to roll out after April 13. A new government could be formed as early as April 15.
The move fulfils Kumar's long-stated desire to serve in every legislative house in India, the Bihar Assembly, Bihar Council, Lok Sabha, and finally the Rajya Sabha.
Who Will Be The Next CM?
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who holds the Home portfolio, is the frontrunner among contenders for the top job.
Hailing from the Koeri caste, an influential OBC group, Choudhary was made state BJP president in 2023 and became Deputy CM a year later. He is also considered close to Nitish Kumar, which boosts his chances further.
Other Names in the Race
Other names doing the rounds include Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and state ministers Lakhendra Paswan and Shreyasi Singh. BJP leaders, however, have been tight-lipped. "Who will be the next CM is a decision to be taken by our central leadership," minister Dilip Jaiswal said.
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A Historic Shift
If Choudhary is confirmed, it will mark the first time the BJP leads Bihar's government outright, ending over three decades of dominance by regional parties JD(U) and RJD.
The Bihar Assembly has 243 members, allowing for up to 36 ministers in the cabinet. Reports say most current ministers may continue, with limited changes.
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