BJP Set to Lead Bihar as Nitish Kumar Resigns: Samrat Choudhary, Nishant Kumar Top CM Race

New Delhi/Patna (IANS): Bihar stands on the threshold of a historic political shift as Nitish Kumar prepares to resign as Chief Minister today, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This marks the conclusion of a nearly two-decade-long era dominated by the JD(U) leader, who was recently elected to the Rajya Sabha.

Following an 11:00 AM cabinet meeting, Kumar is expected to submit his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain. This transition paves the way for the BJP to take direct leadership of the state government for the first time in the history of the NDA alliance in Bihar.

Key Contenders for the Chief Minister’s Office

While the BJP high command remains tight-lipped, two names have emerged as frontrunners to lead the new administration:

Public Sentiment and Demographics

Recent opinion polls indicate a neck-and-neck race in public preference between Choudhary and Nishant Kumar. Notable survey findings include:

• OBC Representation: Nearly 50% of respondents want a Chief Minister from the Other Backward Classes (OBC).
• The “Nitish Factor”: Despite the transition, many voters initially preferred Nitish Kumar to continue until 2030, making his sudden exit a significant shock to the electorate.

Ground Reality: The End of an Era

The transition is already being felt in Patna:

• JD(U) Office: Posters and banners featuring Nitish Kumar are being removed.
• Official Residence: Reports indicate Kumar has begun vacating his residence on Circular Road.
• Whip Issued: All 202 MLAs of the ruling alliance have been ordered to remain in Patna until Wednesday.

The Road Ahead

The BJP has appointed Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer to oversee the transition. Chouhan, alongside Nitin Nabin, will arrive in Patna today to chair the meeting that will officially finalize the next Chief Minister of Bihar.