BJP Poised to Announce First Bihar Chief Minister as Transition Unfolds
NEW DELHI: BJP leaders in Bihar confirmed on Monday that the identity of the party's inaugural chief minister for the state will be revealed on Tuesday. This announcement comes as Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to arrive in Patna to supervise the transfer of power, marking a significant political milestone.
Chouhan's Role as Central Observer
Chouhan has been appointed by the BJP high command as the central observer for the election of the new legislature party leader. His visit coincides with JD(U) president Nitish Kumar's anticipated resignation as chief minister. Kumar, Bihar's longest-serving chief minister who turned 75 last month and was recently sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP, is expected to submit his resignation at Raj Bhavan following his final cabinet meeting at 11 am.
"Shivraj Singh Chouhan ji will be coming to Patna tomorrow and BJP legislators will be electing their leader in his presence," stated Sanjay Saraogi, the party's Bihar unit president, in an interview with PTI.
Historic Moment for BJP in Hindi Heartland
This leadership change represents a landmark achievement for the BJP, as Bihar is the only Hindi heartland state where the party has never held the chief minister's office. Despite this historic shift, party leaders have maintained a cautious tone in public statements.
Dilip Jaiswal, a minister and former Bihar BJP president, expressed, "It is an emotional moment for us. We hope that Nitish Kumar will continue to offer his guidance to the new government." He declined to speculate on the leadership choice, emphasizing that it is the collective prerogative of the legislature party.
Assembly Dynamics and Speculation
In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, the NDA commands a robust majority with 202 seats. The BJP holds 89 seats, closely followed by JD(U) with 85, while allies LJP(RV), HAM, and RLM account for the remainder. While neither Saraogi nor Jaiswal commented on the swearing-in ceremony, speculation suggests it may occur on April 14, with potential attendance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Frontrunners for Chief Minister Position
Among the leading contenders, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is widely viewed as a top candidate. Choudhary, who oversees the crucial Home portfolio, has been endorsed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as destined to become "a big man." However, critics note his political background includes nearly two decades in rival parties like the RJD and JD(U), and he was previously appointed legislature party leader in November, hinting at possible alternative considerations.
Another strong contender is Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home, who began his political career as an ABVP activist during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and served as Bihar BJP president before joining the Union cabinet in 2019.
Caste Considerations and Political Strategy
Party insiders indicate that the new chief minister is likely to hail from an OBC or Dalit community. The BJP aims to broaden its support among these social groups in Bihar's caste-sensitive political landscape, shaped by Mandal-era politics, while maintaining its upper-caste base.
Nitish Kumar's Son and Transition Details
Attention has also shifted to Nishant, the only son of Nitish Kumar, who joined the JD(U) last month. Some JD(U) leaders propose that the 44-year-old, not yet a state legislature member, could be inducted as deputy chief minister. Others believe Nitish Kumar would prefer him to gain experience before assuming a major role.
Currently, the father and son are handling the transition calmly, with their belongings being relocated to another government bungalow near 1, Anne Marg, the chief minister's official residence awaiting its new occupant.
