New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) The political landscape of Bihar is undergoing significant changes as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepares to resign, signaling the conclusion of a leadership era that has shaped the state’s administration for close to two decades, aside from a brief hiatus during 2014-15.

In what is anticipated to be his last official act as Chief Minister, the leader of the Janata Dal (United) has convened a cabinet meeting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Following this meeting, he is expected to step down, paving the way for a new government led by the BJP, a crucial partner within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This transition is particularly noteworthy as it would mark the first occasion of the BJP assuming direct control of the Bihar administration since the formation of the alliance.

After the cabinet discussion, Bihar's longest-serving CM, who was recently elected to the Rajya Sabha, will submit his resignation to the state’s Governor, Syed Ata Hasnain.

Although the BJP has yet to officially announce its candidate for the next Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is widely regarded as a prominent contender due to his current role overseeing the vital Home Ministry in the outgoing government. Representing the Koeri caste, a significant OBC community, Choudhary was appointed state party president in 2023 and became Deputy CM the following year.

Another candidate gaining traction is Nishant Kumar, the son of Nitish Kumar. While there is support for Nishant within the JD(U), this time the BJP is viewed as having a stronger claim to the position.

Recent public opinion polls from various media outlets indicate that both Samrat Choudhary and Nishant Kumar are closely aligned in popularity. The surveys also reveal a wider social expectation, with nearly half of participants expressing a preference for a Chief Minister from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), a category that encompasses both candidates. This comes despite many wanting Nitish Kumar to remain in office until 2030, making his abrupt resignation shocking for many.

On the ground, signs of transition are already emerging. Posters of Nitish Kumar are gradually being removed from the JD(U) office in Patna, indicating the end of an influential period.

Moreover, all 202 MLAs from the ruling coalition have been instructed to remain in the state capital until Wednesday. Reports suggest that Nitish Kumar has also begun vacating his official residence located on Circular Road.

To facilitate this transition smoothly, the BJP leadership has designated Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer. Chouhan is set to arrive in Bihar on Tuesday, alongside Nitin Nabin, both of whom will participate in the meeting to finalize the next Chief Minister.