A major leadership change appears imminent in Bihar, with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary emerging as the frontrunner to succeed Nitish Kumar, who is expected to step down next week, sources said.
According to sources, Nitish Kumar is likely to resign as Chief Minister on April 14, when the NDA legislative party is scheduled to meet to elect its new leader.
The development signals the possible end of Kumar’s two-decade-long tenure at the helm of Bihar politics. He has already left for New Delhi, where he is set to take oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on Friday. Senior JD(U) leaders Sanjay Jha and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary are also expected to be sworn in.
Sources indicated that Samrat Chaudhary is currently the top choice for the post and is heading to the national capital to hold consultations with the BJP’s central leadership regarding the transition.
The process for Kumar’s move to national politics had begun earlier. On March 30, he resigned as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council. Subsequently, he was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on March 17 as part of the NDA slate.
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Kumar had filed his nomination papers on March 5, stating his long-standing desire to serve as a member of both Houses of Parliament, having earlier been part of both Houses of the Bihar legislature.
His decision to shift to the Rajya Sabha comes just months after leading the NDA to a commanding electoral victory in the state, underlining his continued influence in Bihar’s political landscape.
However, the move has triggered political reactions. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that Kumar was “forced” into the Rajya Sabha by the BJP, claiming the party was attempting to weaken JD(U).
Political observers say the transition could significantly alter the balance of power within the ruling alliance, with Kumar’s shift to Delhi potentially reducing his direct control over state affairs.
If finalised, the appointment of Samrat Chaudhary would mark a generational shift in Bihar’s leadership, with the BJP expected to play a more assertive role in governance.
The NDA is yet to make an official announcement, but all eyes are on the April 14 meeting, which is likely to formalise the leadership change.
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