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Patna: By early afternoon today, a quiet sense of change hung over Patna. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired what is expected to be his last Cabinet meeting at the Old Secretariat. Soon after, he is likely to go to Raj Bhavan and submit his resignation to Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain.
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For millions of Biharis, this feels like the end of a long chapter. Nitish Kumar, 75, has led the state for nearly two decades. Many remember the improved roads, better schools, and greater sense of safety he brought.
Today, he steps aside after taking oath as a Rajya Sabha MP just days ago on April 11. He will now shift focus to Delhi, while Bihar gets ready for new leadership.
This is a big moment: Bihar is set to have its first Chief Minister from the BJP.
The 3 names in the race
As meetings begin this afternoon, three names are being discussed seriously.
- Samrat Choudhary, the current Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, is seen as the clear frontrunner. Belonging to the influential Koeri (OBC) community, he has experience as former state BJP president and has worked closely with Nitish Kumar. In recent months, Nitish has openly praised him during public events, leading many to see it as a quiet signal of support.
Choudhary’s political journey is typical of Bihar’s fluid politics — he started with the RJD, served as a minister under Rabri Devi, had a brief stint with JD(U), and joined the BJP in 2017. Supporters believe he can maintain social balance while handling governance firmly.
2. Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home, is another strong contender. From the Yadav community, he is viewed as someone who could help the BJP expand into traditional RJD vote banks. His close ties with the central leadership, especially Amit Shah, give him added weight. Those who know him describe him as low-profile and disciplined.
3. Renu Devi, a former Deputy Chief Minister, is the third name still in active discussion. She brings government experience and is seen as a steady choice that offers continuity.
Party leaders say the final pick will carefully balance caste equations, administrative experience, organisational strength, and consensus within the NDA.
What has happened today till 1:30 PM
The day started with Nitish Kumar paying tributes at Dr B R Ambedkar’s statue before heading to the Secretariat for his final Cabinet meeting. He is expected to dissolve the current Cabinet before formally resigning.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leaders have reached Patna to guide the process:
- Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived as the central observer appointed by the BJP parliamentary board.
- BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh also landed in the city.
- Other central leaders, including BJP National President Nitin Nabin and senior leader Vinod Tawde, have reached Patna.
All BJP MLAs have been asked to remain in the capital, and security has been tightened around key spots like the BJP office, Assembly, and Raj Bhavan.
How the process of choosing the new CM will unfold
The next few hours will follow a clear schedule:
3:00 PM — BJP Legislature Party meeting at the party office. All BJP MLAs will elect their leader in the presence of central observer Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
4:00 PM — NDA Legislature Party meeting in the Central Hall of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha. The broader alliance, including JD(U) legislators, will formally elect the leader who will form the new government.
Once chosen, the new leader will meet the Governor, prove majority support, and be invited to take oath. The swearing-in is likely tomorrow, April 15, at 11 AM at Lok Bhavan. Reports suggest Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah may attend.
Most current ministers are expected to continue, with only minor changes in the new Cabinet (which can have up to 36 members).
For many ordinary people in Bihar, today is less about high drama and more about the quiet end of an era. Nitish Kumar may no longer be Chief Minister, but JD(U) leaders say he will continue to guide the alliance and focus on the state’s development from Delhi.
Whoever becomes the next Chief Minister — whether Samrat Choudhary or one of the other respected names — will inherit a state that has seen real progress in the last 20 years, yet still faces big challenges like jobs, migration, and social harmony.
As one senior leader put it privately, this is not just about changing a face — it is about carrying forward the mandate the people of Bihar gave to the NDA.
The coming hours will decide who takes on that responsibility. For now, Bihar waits — hopeful that the transition brings stability and continued progress.
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Prateeksha Kumari is a journalist and strategic communications professional specialising in digital journalism, political reporting, and public affairs. Her work focuses on grassroots issues, governance, and civic developments, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and narrative-driven reporting.
She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and has qualified the UGC-NET examination, reflecting her academic grounding in media studies and communication research. Her reporting spans politics, public policy, health, education, and socio-economic issues, and she is experienced in bilingual (Hindi and English) content creation tailored to diverse audiences.
Alongside her journalistic work, she brings experience in political communication and public relations, where she has contributed to campaign messaging, media outreach, and narrative building. She has worked on integrated communication strategies across print and digital platforms, combining editorial judgment with audience insight and data-led content approaches.