Illustration by Sreejith R. Kumar
When Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s chief minister for more than two decades, was sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha in Delhi on April 10, speculation about his successor intensified.
Among the applicants, Samrat Choudhary57, the deputy chief minister and former BJP state president, has emerged as a trailblazer. But party officials say a final decision will be taken only after Mr. Kumar steps down, likely on April 14. A new government is expected to be formed the following day, April 15. Mr Choudhary currently holds the key home portfolio and keeps a close eye on both the BJP leader and Mr Kumar at official engagements across the state.
Published – 12 Apr 2026 01:25 IST
