Patna, 14 April (H.S.):

Bihar is entering a new political era after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation to the Governor at Lok Bhawan in Patna on Tuesday, clearing the path for the formation of the state’s first BJP‑led government under Samrat Choudhary, currently the Deputy Chief Minister and newly elected BJP legislative‑party leader in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar, who has steered Bihar’s politics for almost two decades, chaired his final Cabinet meeting in Patna before recommending the dissolution of his Council of Ministers.

From Rajya Sabha to the Governor’s Desk

Nitish Kumar, who took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on April 11 after being elected earlier that month, formally stepped down as Chief Minister this afternoon. He had already resigned as a Member of the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) on March 30 to comply with constitutional norms that bar an Upper‑House member from simultaneously holding a state‑legislative seat.

In a brief statement after submitting his resignation, the outgoing CM said the new government in Bihar would receive his “full cooperation and guidance,” adding that Bihar would advance “a great deal” under the fresh dispensation. He also expressed gratitude to his colleagues, bureaucrats, and the people of the state.

NDA Springboard: BJP’s Rising Star Takes the Helm

The transition signals a major shift in the state’s power matrix. The BJP, which has long been the dominant force in the NDA coalition in Bihar, will now occupy the chief‑minister’s chair for the first time.

Samrat Choudhary, the son of Nitish Kumar’s veteran aide Shakuni Chaudhary, emerged as the frontrunner after a series of party‑level consultations. A meeting of the BJP Legislature Party was held at the party office in Patna at 3 pm, followed by the broader NDA conclave at 4 pm in the Central Hall. The formal announcement was made by BJP central observer and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who described Choudhary’s elevation as an “emotional and historic moment” for the party’s cadre.

Choudhary took to social‑media later in the evening, calling the chief‑ministerial post “not merely a position, but a sacred opportunity to serve the people of Bihar.” He pledged to work under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Nitin Nabin to take Bihar “to new heights of development, good governance, and prosperity.”

Nitish’s Legacy: A “Bihar‑First” Valedictory

The day was marked by nostalgia and farewells. In his last Cabinet meeting, Nitish Kumar reflected on two decades of governance, reiterating that his government had worked “for the development of all sections of society,” including Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward and extremely backward classes, Dalits and Mahadalits.

He also said that work in sectors such as education, health, roads, electricity, and agriculture had continued uninterrupted, with notable efforts for women and youth. According to party leaders, the new government is expected to carry forward Nitish Kumar’s signature policies, including the “7 Nishchay” (seven guarantees) that outline the state’s medium‑term development agenda.

JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha told reporters that Nitish’s “political footprint” would remain firmly embedded in Bihar, even from the Rajya Sabha. “Bihar’s respect and prestige were restored under Nitish ji,” Jha said, recalling that the party and the NDA had jointly contested the 2025–30 mandate under his leadership.

The new CM, who is set to be sworn in at 11 am on April 15 at Lok Bhawan, inherits a 243‑member Bihar Assembly, which allows a Council of Ministers of up to 36 members. Early indications suggest that most current ministers may be retained, with only minor reshuffles.

Speculation also swirls around the role of Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, who has recently joined JD(U). Party insiders indicate he may be inducted into the new cabinet, possibly as Deputy Chief Minister, though others argue that the younger Kumar should first consolidate his organisational base before being formally elevated.

Across the state, the political class struck a note of unity. JD(U) and NDA partners reiterated that the change in the top slot would not break the coalition’s foundational compact, but rather refresh it. Ministers such as Ram Kripal Yadav and Sanjay Singh spoke of the outgoing CM’s “indelible contribution” to Bihar’s development and described the day as deeply emotional for the entire team.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar