Power Plays and a Patna in Suspense: Who’s Bihar’s Next CM?

Nitish Kumar set to resign as Bihar CM after April 14 Cabinet meet. BJP’s Samrat Choudhary leads race to succeed him. NDA MLA meeting in Patna soon.

By MANISH ANAND

New Delhi, April 12, 2026 — After vacating the 1, Anne Marg official CM residence, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has seemingly called his last Cabinet meeting on Tuesday — April 14. He’s likely to call on Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain soon after the Cabinet meeting concludes. His handing over of the resignation at the Bihar Bhavan is likely to also unveil new Chief Minister of the state at the earliest.

A state of utter confusion prevails in the ranks of the ruling Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Political observers are looking for cues in posters put up by party leaders. The posters are coming up in plenty as well.

On Sunday, Nitish Kumar hosted political bigwigs at his residence. He had shifted to the 7, Circular Road residence on Saturday. His two deputy Chief Ministers from the ranks of the BJP — Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha — attended the meeting, which has been described as political by the JD (U) leaders. The meeting per sources discussed on the change of government with the incumbent CM stressing on continuity.

The meeting of the legislators of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is likely to be held in Patna on Tuesday. The BJP may soon announce names of observers from Delhi to attend the meeting of the NDA MLAs. It’s likely that Nitish Kumar may be asked to announce the name of his successor as the next CM in the meeting.

By all accounts, Bihar’s next CM will be from the ranks of the BJP. Spotlight is currently on Samrat Choudhary. His holding of the Home department portfolio gives him an edge over Vijay Kumar Sinha. On the lines of Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, Choudhary has dropped hints of sending bulldozers against land grabbers in Patna. Besides, Choudhary hails from Koeri community, which is politically significant caste in Bihar’s social calculus.

As the BJP seeks to stay with the OBC politics script, Choudhary remains a key face for the saffron outfit. His ability to follow instructions of Home Minister Amit Shah per sources has endeared him closer to the BJP’s most powerful strategist.

While Patna is wildly speculating on names which can take the baton from Nitish Kumar, the law-and-order situations in Bihar are gaining national attention. One man was decapitated in broad daylight this week. Roadside violence is fuelling the social media virality. Liquors have been caught being transported through train and official vehicles. But the sharp spotlight remains on slow motion in the political theatre of Patna.

FAQ

Q: Is Nitish Kumar resigning as Bihar Chief Minister?

A: Nitish Kumar is widely expected to resign after calling what is believed to be his last Cabinet meeting on April 14, 2026, following which he is likely to meet Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain.

Q: Who will be Bihar’s next Chief Minister?

A: Bihar’s next CM is expected to come from the BJP. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary is currently the frontrunner, owing to his control of the Home portfolio, OBC Koeri community identity and closeness to Home Minister Amit Shah.

Q: Why is Samrat Choudhary ahead of Vijay Kumar Sinha in the Bihar CM race?

A: Choudhary holds the Home department portfolio, has a politically significant Koeri caste identity, and is reportedly trusted by BJP’s top leadership in Delhi.

Q: What happened at Nitish Kumar’s Sunday meeting at 7 Circular Road?

A: Nitish Kumar hosted Bihar’s deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha at his new residence in what was described as a political meeting. Sources say it discussed the change of government, with Nitish stressing continuity.

Q: What is the NDA MLA meeting in Patna about?

A: The NDA legislature party meeting is expected to be held in Patna on April 15, where Nitish Kumar may be asked to formally announce the name of his successor.

1, Anne Marg to 7, Circular Road: Nitish Kumar’s Final Power Move

Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Save

About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

See author's posts