New Delhi: The process of government formation in Bihar has entered a decisive phase, with Nitish Kumar expected to step down after a final Cabinet meeting scheduled at 11 am on April 14. Preparations are underway for a formal announcement, after which he will submit his resignation to the Governor.
The BJP has appointed Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as central observer to oversee the transition. The party has also directed its legislators, along with those of JD(U), to assemble in Patna ahead of key legislature party meetings.
BJP intensifies consultations
Senior BJP leaders have held multiple rounds of discussions to finalise the next chief minister. A recent meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and state BJP president Nitin Nabin in Delhi is seen as crucial in shaping the decision.
Party leaders said consultations have also covered Cabinet formation and allocation of portfolios to maintain coalition balance. “Nabin and Amit Shah did meet in Delhi, and the current political situation in Bihar must have been discussed, as also the ongoing Assembly elections. Nabin and Tawde have already been involved in talking to various groups to gauge opinion within the party. It is not just about the next CM, but other key positions have also to be taken into account. The new cabinet and portfolios are also important to cater to coalition compulsions. A lot of things must have been finalised, but once the name of the new CM emerges, rest of the things will be clear,” said a BJP leader.
Successor to be from BJP
A senior BJP leader confirmed that the next chief minister will be from the party but avoided naming any individual. “Please don’t ask the name who would be the next CM. All I can say is that the person will be from the BJP. The decision has to be made at the highest level and nobody should speculate at this stage, as everything will be clear in a matter of a couple of days. PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah will take the final call,” the leader said.
The BJP Legislature Party and NDA Legislature Party meetings are expected to follow soon after the resignation, with a swearing-in likely on April 15.
Nitish signals exit
Nitish Kumar has already begun shifting his residence to 7 Circular Road, indicating that his exit is imminent. He also resigned from the Bihar Legislative Council earlier, ending his role as leader of the House.
JD(U) leaders have maintained that the decision on the next chief minister rests with the BJP. “Everything will be clear after April 13,” said JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha.
Several ministers, including the two deputy chief ministers, have met Nitish Kumar at his residence over the past few days.
For the BJP, this marks a significant opportunity to install its first chief minister in Bihar. However, party leaders remain cautious, given the state’s complex political landscape and coalition dynamics.