Nitish Kumar resigns; Samrat Choudhary set to become Bihar CM, elected BJP legislature party leader

Bihar is set for a historic political shift after Nitish Kumar resigned on April 14, paving the way for Samrat Choudhary to become the state’s next Chief Minister. Choudhary, currently Deputy Chief Minister, was elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party and later the NDA legislature group on Tuesday. He is expected to meet Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to stake claim to form the government, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 11 am on April 15 at Lok Bhavan. The development marks the first time that the BJP will lead the government in Bihar, ending Kumar’s 21-year run at the helm.

Nitish Kumar steps down after 21 years

Kumar, one of Bihar’s longest-serving leaders, submitted his resignation at Raj Bhavan shortly after a final Cabinet meeting earlier in the day. He travelled with senior leaders, including Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Choudhary, to hand over his resignation to the Governor.

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In a public message following his exit, Kumar underlined the work done since the NDA first formed the government in Bihar on November 24, 2005. He highlighted improvements in law and order and development across sectors such as education, health, roads, electricity and agriculture. He also stressed that initiatives were aimed at all sections of society, including backward classes, extremely backward classes, Dalits and minorities.

Kumar said the new government would have his “full cooperation and guidance”, signalling a smooth transition rather than a disruptive political shift.

Samrat Choudhary elected NDA leader, set to become Bihar’s first BJP CM

Soon after Kumar’s resignation, the BJP Legislative Party met in Patna and elected Samrat Choudhary as its leader around 4 pm. This was followed by his endorsement as the NDA legislature party leader, formally clearing the path for his elevation.

Choudhary’s appointment is politically significant. Despite being a key player in Bihar politics for decades, the BJP has never had its own Chief Minister in the state until now. His elevation reflects a strategic shift within the NDA’s power structure in Bihar.

Allies were quick to react. Upendra Kushwaha congratulated Choudhary on social media, calling it a “new responsibility”.

Choudhary is expected to meet Governor Syed Ata Hasnain shortly to formally stake claim to form the government. The oath-taking ceremony has been scheduled for April 15 at 11 am, where he will be sworn in as Chief Minister.

The ceremony is likely to be attended by senior NDA leaders, marking a carefully managed transition aimed at projecting stability and continuity in governance.

The day saw rapid developments leading to the leadership change:

• 9 am: Senior JD(U) leaders, including Sanjay Jha, Lalan Singh and Vijay Choudhary, met Nitish Kumar at the CM residence
• 11 am: Final Cabinet meeting held; a formal vote of thanks to the Chief Minister was passed
• Around 2:30 pm: Senior BJP leaders gathered at the CM residence ahead of the resignation
• 3:15 pm: Nitish Kumar reached Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation
• 3:24 pm: Kumar confirmed his resignation publicly
• 3:30 pm: BJP leaders, including Samrat Choudhary, attended the legislative party meeting
• 4 pm: Choudhary elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party

The transition signals a recalibration within the NDA in Bihar. While Nitish Kumar remains an influential figure, the BJP assuming the Chief Minister’s post for the first time marks a notable shift in political power dynamics.

Kumar’s tenure, spanning over two decades since 2005, was defined by coalition politics and governance-focused narratives. His exit from the top post, combined with Choudhary’s elevation, suggests a new phase where the BJP seeks a more direct leadership role in the state.

At the same time, Kumar’s assurance of support indicates that the alliance remains intact, at least for now, reducing the likelihood of immediate political instability.