As Nitish Kumar Joins Rajya Sabha, An Era Ends In Bihar Politics; Who Will Be Next CM?

Patna: The 20-year-old "Nitish era" in Bihar politics is drawing to a close. April 14 is set to be a date in this regard that will be etched in the annals of history. On this day, CM Nitish Kumar has convened a crucial meeting of his cabinet colleagues—what is expected to be his final cabinet session. Several agenda items are slated for decision-making during this meeting. Following this session, he may tender his resignation from his post. The very next day, April 15, Bihar's new Chief Minister is expected to assume office.

According to information received from sources close to the government, prior to the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will pay homage by garlanding the statue of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar; April 14 marks his birth anniversary. Subsequently, he will attend the cabinet meeting. It is also being reported that during this pivotal session, he may seek to pass pending agenda items.

Following the meeting, Nitish Kumar may step down from the office of Chief Minister. However, Minister Shravan Kumar has stated that nothing has been finalized yet regarding the resignation or the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister; only the notification for the cabinet meeting has been issued thus far.

When did Nitish Kumar take oath as Rajya Sabha MP?

Nitish Kumar took the oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 10, 2026. He returned to Patna on the very same day. Prior to his departure, while in Delhi, he told journalists that he would now be based there permanently. He also indicated that he would be stepping down from the Chief Minister's post. Leaders of the JD(U) have made it clear that the next Chief Minister will be from the BJP.

The process of selecting the leader of the BJP legislative party has gained momentum. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is arriving in Patna on April 14 to serve as an observer. Following the BJP's internal deliberations, a consensus on the Chief Ministerial candidate will be reached after holding a meeting with the legislators of the NDA's constituent parties—the JD(U), LJP(R), HAM, and RLMO. The new government is expected to take shape on April 15. While Lok Bhawan is being cited as the probable venue for the ceremony, Bapu Sabhagar has been kept as a backup option.

Who will be next Bihar CM?

Several leaders are in the race for the Chief Minister's post, but the name of Samrat Choudhary is currently leading the pack. During his 'Samriddhi Yatra' (Prosperity Journey), Nitish Kumar had, on multiple occasions during public rallies, heaped praise upon Samrat Choudhary. Speculation is rife that Samrat could very well be the next Chief Minister of Bihar. However, Union Minister Nityanand Rai, senior leader Vijay Sinha, and former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi are also in the running. Meanwhile, JD(U) party workers have begun demanding that Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, be appointed to the Chief Minister's chair.

When will Nitish Kumar Resign?

According to media reports, Nitish Kumar may resign from the post of Chief Minister immediately following this final cabinet meeting. April 14 could mark the last day of Nitish Kumar's tenure as CM. Sources told ANI that Bihar could get a new Chief Minister on April 15.

When Will Bihar Get a New CM?

According to ANI, following Nitish Kumar's resignation from the CM post on April 14, Bihar could receive a new Chief Minister on April 15. Prior to this, Sanjay Kumar Jha—Executive President of the Janata Dal (United) and a Rajya Sabha MP—emphasized that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar remains fully committed to the state's development, even if he no longer holds the office.