Who will be Bihar’s next CM? Nitish Kumar to hold final cabinet meet on April 14

Bihar is entering a निर्णायक political phase, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar set to step down after his final cabinet meeting on April 14. With the बैठक just hours away, attention has shifted to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s next move and the leadership choice that will shape the state’s future.

Kumar has called what is likely to be his last cabinet meeting at 11 am. Soon after, he is expected to submit his resignation to the Governor. Preparations for the transition are already underway, including arrangements for an official press briefing.

He has also begun vacating his official residence at 7, Circular Road, signalling that his exit is imminent.

Who will be the next CM?

The BJP, the dominant partner in the National Democratic Alliance but never the holder of the मुख्यमंत्री’s post in Bihar, now has a clear opportunity.

The party emerged as the single-largest in the 2025 Assembly elections with 89 seats, while ally Janata Dal (United) secured 85. The NDA swept 202 of 243 seats, decisively outpacing the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan.

Even so, BJP leaders remain tight-lipped. A senior party leader said the decision would be taken at the highest level, with Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expected to make the final call.

JD(U) leaders have also avoided speculation. Party working president Sanjay Jha said clarity would emerge after April 13.

Key contenders

Three names have emerged as frontrunners within the BJP.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is widely seen as the leading candidate. A prominent face of the Kushwaha community, his elevation would strengthen the party’s OBC outreach. He currently holds the home affairs portfolio and is serving his second term as deputy CM.

Union Minister Nityanand Rai is another strong contender. A four-time former MLA from Hajipur, he has also served as Bihar BJP president.

Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, a three-time MLC and former state BJP chief, is also in the reckoning.

However, the BJP is known for springing surprises when it comes to leadership choices.

Dynastic angle

A parallel development within JD(U) adds an interesting layer. Party leaders are reportedly backing Nishant Kumar—who recently joined politics—as a potential deputy chief minister, positioning him as Nitish Kumar’s political heir within the alliance.

High-stakes next 48 hours

As the alliance braces for transition, the BJP has stepped up internal consultations. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been appointed central observer, underscoring the significance of the decision.

Both the BJP and JD(U) have asked their legislators to reach Patna ahead of crucial legislature party meetings. The next 48 hours are expected to determine not just the next chief minister but also the broader structure of the new government.

According to a senior JD(U) leader, the BJP may announce its choice the same day Nitish Kumar resigns. The name will then be placed before the NDA legislature party before staking claim to form the government, with the swearing-in likely on April 15.