New Delhi, 12 April (H.S.):

Speculation over the Chief Minister's post in Bihar has gained momentum following Janata Dal United national president Nitish Kumar's transition to the Rajya Sabha. On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party's parliamentary board appointed Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as observer to oversee the selection of the party's new legislative party leader. A meeting of the BJP legislature party, under his supervision, will finalize the choice.

In a communiqué released Sunday, the BJP announced that its parliamentary board has designated Central Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer for electing the leader of its Bihar legislative wing.

Citing his vast experience and ability to forge consensus, the party entrusted him with this pivotal responsibility. He is expected to arrive in Patna shortly to chair a crucial BJP legislature party meeting. Today, lawmakers from both BJP and JD(U) have been convened at the Chief Minister's residence.

Notably, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10 and may tender his resignation from the Chief Minister's office as early as Monday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar