Bihar is on the brink of a political shift as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has called for a cabinet meeting on April 14. Following this, it is anticipated that the JD(U) president will step down to pave the way for a BJP-led government. The meeting, scheduled for 11 am, will be followed by Kumar’s resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain after he recently won a seat in the Rajya Sabha.
Sanjay Kumar Jha, a close aide of Kumar and JD(U) national working president, hinted that the process of forming a new government would commence post-April 13. The BJP, showing restraint in welcoming its potential first-ever chief minister in Bihar, appointed Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer to oversee the leadership transition.
Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, a senior JD(U) leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, stated that the NDA, with a significant role played by the BJP, would elect the new chief minister. Speculations suggest that Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, responsible for the crucial Home portfolio in the current government, is a top contender for the position.
Various names, including Nityanand Rai, Lakhendra Paswan, and Shreyasi Singh, are also being considered for the role. Each leader brings unique advantages, with considerations spanning caste equations and demographic appeals. The BJP aims to present a diverse and inclusive image with potential leaders from different backgrounds.
While possibilities abound, the central leadership may present an unexpected choice, drawing from past instances in other states where lesser-known leaders have assumed the top position. Amidst these developments, the political landscape in Bihar is poised for transformation, awaiting the official announcement of the new chief minister.