Elections – Decision on Bihar Chief Minister Expected as NDA Prepares for Transition
Elections – The long-standing uncertainty over Bihar’s next chief minister is expected to be resolved on Tuesday, as the ruling alliance moves closer to finalising its leadership for the new government.
The focus has shifted to senior BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who is currently seen as a leading contender for the top post. At the same time, discussions within party circles have also included the possibility of a woman leader being considered, although no official confirmation has been made so far.
Preparations Underway for Swearing-In Ceremony
Arrangements are already in progress for the oath-taking ceremony, which is scheduled to be held on April 15 at Lok Bhavan. The event will mark the formation of a new government led by the National Democratic Alliance, with the Bharatiya Janata Party set to head the administration.
The ceremony will follow the resignation of current Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is expected to step down a day earlier after completing his final cabinet meeting. His resignation will be formally submitted to the Governor, Lieutenant General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, at the same venue.
Key Leaders Likely to Attend
Senior national figures are expected to be present during the swearing-in event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend the ceremony, highlighting the political importance of the transition in Bihar.
Party officials have indicated that preparations at Lok Bhavan are progressing steadily, with administrative arrangements being reviewed to ensure a smooth event.
BJP Legislature Meeting to Finalise Leader
The Bharatiya Janata Party has scheduled a crucial meeting of its legislative party on Tuesday afternoon to elect its leader. This meeting is expected to play a decisive role in ending speculation surrounding the chief minister’s post.
According to Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi, the meeting will take place at 3 pm at the party office. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been appointed as the central observer and will oversee the selection process.
NDA Coordination and Legislative Process
Following the BJP meeting, a broader gathering of NDA legislators is planned at 4 pm in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. During this session, the alliance will formally endorse its legislative leader, paving the way for government formation.
Simultaneously, the Janata Dal (United) is also expected to hold its own legislative meeting, indicating coordinated efforts within the alliance to ensure a smooth transition.
BJP Set to Lead Government Independently
This development marks a significant political moment for Bihar, as it will be the first time that the BJP is poised to have its own chief minister in the state. In the 243-member assembly, the BJP currently holds the highest number of seats with 89 MLAs, while JD(U) follows with 85 members.
The shift reflects a new phase in the alliance dynamics, with the BJP taking a more central leadership role in the state government.
Composition of the New Government
The NDA coalition in Bihar includes five parties: BJP, JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha led by Upendra Kushwaha.
Sources suggest that the new cabinet may also include fresh faces. Among the names being discussed is Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar, who is likely to be considered for the post of deputy chief minister.
As the day unfolds, all eyes remain on the outcome of the legislative meetings, which are expected to bring clarity to the leadership question and set the stage for a new political chapter in Bihar.