Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to step down from his post following his election to the Rajya Sabha, with political speculation intensifying over a leadership change in the state.

According to reports, Kumar is expected to travel to Delhi on April 9 and take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10. He may return to Patna on April 11 and formally resign as Chief Minister on April 12. However, no official confirmation has been issued by the government or the Janata Dal (United) so far.

With his anticipated resignation, the process of forming a new government under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to gather pace. Sources indicate that Bihar could see a new Chief Minister being sworn in on April 14, shortly after the end of the Kharmas period, which is traditionally considered inauspicious for major ceremonies.

Political discussions have intensified over who will succeed Nitish Kumar. There is growing speculation that the next Chief Minister could be from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which would mark the first time a BJP leader assumes the top post in Bihar.

Among the frontrunners, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary is seen as a leading contender. Other names being discussed include Union Minister Nityanand Rai, as well as senior leaders such as Vijay Sinha, Dilip Jaiswal and Mangal Pandey.

Meanwhile, JD(U) National Executive President Sanjay Jha stated that no final decision has been taken yet regarding the next Chief Minister. He said the matter will be decided by the NDA’s central leadership.

As political consultations continue within the alliance, Bihar appears poised for a significant transition, with all eyes on the final decision regarding the state’s next leadership.