In a seismic shift in Bihar's political landscape, Nitish Kumar, the state's longest-serving Chief Minister, tendered his resignation on April 14, 2026, marking the end of over two decades at the helm. After chairing his final cabinet meeting at the old Secretariat in Patna, Kumar submitted his resignation to Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain at Lok Bhawan. This move paves the way for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Samrat Choudhary, currently the Deputy Chief Minister, to take oath as Bihar's first BJP Chief Minister on April 15, ushering in a new era of governance under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The transition comes shortly after Kumar was elected to the Rajya Sabha, a strategic step that had been anticipated for weeks. In his emotional address post-resignation, Kumar reflected on his transformative journey, emphasizing the establishment of rule of law since the NDA's first government in 2005. He highlighted developments across sectors like education, health, infrastructure, and women's empowerment, assuring full cooperation and guidance to the incoming administration.

📅 The Day's Timeline: From Cabinet Farewell to Leadership Handover

The events unfolded with clockwork precision on April 14. Senior Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) leaders, including Sanjay Jha and Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), convened at Kumar's residence early in the morning. By 11 AM, the cabinet meeting commenced, lasting about 25 minutes amid an emotional atmosphere. Ministers described Kumar as composed yet reflective, as he recommended the dissolution of the Council of Ministers.

Post-meeting, Kumar proceeded to Lok Bhawan around 3 PM, where NDA leaders, including Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, gathered. The Governor accepted the resignation promptly. Meanwhile, at the BJP headquarters, central observers like former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state in-charge Vinod Tawde oversaw proceedings. By late afternoon, BJP MLAs unanimously elected Choudhary as the legislature party leader in a swift meeting.

The NDA, commanding 202 MLAs in the 243-member assembly, is set to stake its claim formally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend Choudhary's oath-taking, signaling strong central backing. This seamless handover underscores the coalition's unity post the NDA's landslide victory in the November 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, where BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats.

Nitish Kumar's Enduring Legacy: Transforming 'Jungle Raj' to 'Sushasan'

Nitish Kumar's political odyssey began in the turbulent 1970s, rooted in the Jayaprakash Narayan movement against Indira Gandhi's Emergency. A civil engineer by training from Bihar College of Engineering (now NIT Patna), he rose through the Janata Dal, founding the Samata Party in 1994, which merged into JD(U) in 2003. His record 10 terms as CM spanned from 2000 to 2026, navigating alliances with NDA and Mahagathbandhan multiple times—a hallmark of Bihar's fluid politics.

Kumar inherited a Bihar synonymous with 'Jungle Raj' under Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) regime: lawlessness, migration, and stagnation. His interventions were methodical. Crime rates plummeted by over 80% through fast-track courts, special police forces, and prison reforms. Infrastructure boomed—rural paved roads surged from 3,500 km in 2005 to over 1.11 lakh km by 2025. Electrification reached 100% of villages, and school enrollment for girls soared, bolstered by bicycle schemes and uniforms.

Women's empowerment was pivotal: 50% reservation in panchayats (35% initially, hiked later), including for Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). The 2016 alcohol prohibition, despite challenges, aimed at family welfare. Economically, Bihar's GSDP grew at 10-12% annually, hitting ₹9.9 lakh crore by 2025-26 with a projected 22% surge. Per capita income doubled from ₹25,000 in 2005 to over ₹60,000. Initiatives like Jeevika (self-help groups for 1.5 crore women) and Seven Resolves (Saat Nishchay) parts 1-3 focused on youth jobs, health, and digital connectivity.Learn more about his tenure on Wikipedia.

Samrat Choudhary: The Saffron Warrior Rising to the Top

Born in 1968 in Munger district to political parents—father Shakuni Devi (ex-MLA/MP) and mother Parvati Devi (ex-MLA)—Samrat Choudhary embodies OBC aspirations as a Koeri Kushwaha leader. Starting with RJD in the 1990s, he served as a minister under Rabri Devi before defecting to BJP in 2014 with 13 MLAs. His ascent included roles as Urban Development Minister, BJP Bihar President (2023-24), Leader of Opposition, and Deputy CM since 2024.

Choudhary's portfolio as Home and Finance Minister showcased his iron-fist style: bulldozer actions against mafias, Anti-Romeo squads, Abhay Brigade for women safety, and 30,000+ job announcements in the 2024 budget. He credits Bihar's 10.64% GSDP growth and lifting 2.5 crore from poverty. Controversies, like turban-wearing as protest against Nitish and vocal attacks on opposition, haven't dimmed his appeal among non-Yadav OBCs.Read his full profile here.

Photo by Focus Cam photography on Unsplash

NDA's Dominant Mandate: BJP Takes the CM Helm

The 2025 elections validated NDA's strategy, securing 202 seats: BJP (89), JD(U) (around 50), and allies like Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). This majority dwarfs RJD-led Mahagathbandhan's ~30 seats. With BJP as the largest partner, installing Choudhary fulfills a long-standing demand, shifting from Nitish-centric leadership to BJP dominance while retaining coalition balance.

Nitish's guidance ensures policy continuity, but Choudhary's elevation signals BJP's confidence in steering Bihar towards Viksit Bharat goals.

Reactions Pour In: Cheers from NDA, Silence from Opposition

NDA leaders hailed the transition. Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated Choudhary, while Upendra Kushwaha (Rashtriya Lok Morcha) offered best wishes. Chirag Paswan called it emotional, and Giriraj Singh praised unanimity. Nitish garlanded Choudhary at the NDA meet, symbolizing harmony.Follow the live reactions from Times of India.

Opposition responses were muted; RJD's Tejashwi Yadav posted cryptic messages online, hinting at BJP's 'power grab,' but no major protests amid NDA's sweep. Congress echoed concerns over coalition stability.

Public Pulse: Trending on X and Street Buzz

Social media erupted with #NitishResigns and #SamratCM trending nationwide. Supporters lauded Nitish's legacy, while youth anticipate Choudhary's job push. Patna streets saw jubilant BJP gatherings, tempered by nostalgia for 'Sushasan Babu.'

Development Continuity: Jobs, Infra, and Law & Order Focus

Choudhary vows to build on Nitish's foundation, promising one crore jobs via skill hubs and industry. As ex-Finance Minister, he'll prioritize manufacturing boom and metro expansions. Law enforcement intensifies with zero-tolerance on crime.

Photo by Focus Cam photography on Unsplash

Challenges on Horizon: Caste Equations and 2030 Polls

Caste census data (63% OBC/EBC) demands inclusive growth. RJD eyes revival via Yadav-Muslim base. Choudhary must navigate JD(U) sensitivities and deliver on promises amid migration and unemployment.

Outlook: A Prosperous Bihar Under New Guard

With central schemes and NDA synergy, Bihar eyes top-tier status. Choudhary's oath tomorrow heralds accelerated progress, blending Nitish's equity with BJP's efficiency. Stakeholders await cabinet expansion and policy roadmap.

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