Bihar sees a historic shift as Samrat Choudhary becomes the first BJP Chief Minister, ending Nitish Kumar’s long tenure. Oath on April 15, 2026, marks a new political era
On April 14, 2026, Bihar witnessed a historic power transition when Shri Samrat Choudhary was officially named the new Chief Minister of the state. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, April 15, 2026, marking the end of Nitish Kumar’s long political dominance and the beginning of the first-ever BJP-led government in Bihar.
Nitish Kumar’s Resignation Clears the Path
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired his final cabinet meeting on the morning of April 14, 2026. Immediately after the meeting, he tendered his resignation to Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain at Raj Bhavan. This step followed his oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10, 2026, and his earlier resignation from the Bihar Legislative Council to comply with constitutional requirements. Nitish Kumar, who had served as Chief Minister for a record 10 terms spanning over two decades, had already indicated his intention to step down after moving to the Upper House.
NDA Legislature Party Formally Elects Samrat Choudhary
Following Nitish Kumar’s resignation, the NDA legislature party convened and unanimously elected Shri Samrat Choudhary as the new leader. Sources confirmed that Nitish Kumar himself had recommended Choudhary’s name to the BJP high command, giving the move his full backing. The decision was swift and smooth, reflecting the strong alliance coordination between JD(U) and BJP.
Shri Samrat Choudhary: From Deputy CM to Chief Minister
Samrat Choudhary, currently the Deputy Chief Minister and holding the crucial Home portfolio, has been elevated to the top post. He will take oath as Bihar’s new Chief Minister tomorrow, April 15, 2026, at a ceremony expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This will make him the first BJP leader to occupy the Chief Minister’s chair in Bihar.
Choudhary, who started his political journey in the RJD before moving to JD(U) and eventually rising as a senior BJP leader, has been a key figure in the NDA government since January 2024. His appointment is being seen as a strategic choice that balances caste equations, organisational strength and administrative continuity.
Historic Significance of the Transition
This is the first time in Bihar’s history that the BJP will lead the government directly. Until now, the party had been a junior partner in the NDA alliance despite being the single-largest party in the assembly after the 2025 elections. The leadership change signals a clear shift in the power dynamics within the alliance while maintaining stability.
What Happens Tomorrow
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at Lok Bhavan in Patna. Preparations are already underway for a grand event. The new cabinet is expected to be expanded or restructured shortly after the swearing-in, though most existing ministers are likely to be retained with minor adjustments.
Reactions and the Road Ahead
Senior leaders from both JD(U) and BJP have welcomed the decision. The move is being described as a well-orchestrated and consensus-driven transition. For Bihar, the change marks the end of the Nitish Kumar era that began in 2005 and the start of a new chapter under BJP leadership.
As of April 14, 2026, all official processes have been completed. Shri Samrat Choudhary has been named the new Hon. CM of Bihar, and the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow.
This transition not only ends one of the longest-serving chief ministerial tenures in Indian politics but also opens a new phase for Bihar’s development and governance under fresh leadership.
