Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Tuesday, marking the end of an era that spanned nearly two decades; Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary set to be new CM
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to take oath as new CM on April 15
PATNA — In a significant political development, Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Tuesday, marking the end of an era that spanned nearly two decades.
Nitish Kumar, who recently became a member of the Rajya Sabha, has now shifted his focus toward national politics.
He visited the Raj Bhavan in Patna and formally submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, who accepted it, officially bringing the 'Nitish Era' in Bihar to a close.
In a detailed message shared on X, Nitish Kumar reflected on his long tenure, recalling that the NDA government was first formed under his leadership on November 24, 2005.
He emphasised that since then, his administration had focused on strengthening law and order and ensuring inclusive development across all sections of society.
He highlighted progress across key sectors, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, electricity, and agriculture.
Special emphasis, Nitish Kumar noted, was placed on the empowerment of women and youth, alongside targeted initiatives for backward classes, extremely backward classes, Dalits, and Mahadalits.
Looking ahead, Nitish Kumar spoke about the NDA government's ambitious roadmap for 2025–2030 under the '7 Nishchay-3' initiative.
He expressed confidence that the framework would accelerate Bihar's development and help the state emerge among the leading contributors to India's growth.
He also acknowledged the support of the Central government and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continued cooperation in Bihar's development journey.
Nitish Kumar said that the decision to step down had already been made, and following the final Cabinet meeting earlier on Tuesday, he proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to formally tender his resignation.
He assured that the incoming state government would receive his full cooperation and guidance, expressing optimism that Bihar would continue to progress steadily in the coming years.
Concluding his message, Nitish Kumar expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Bihar and his colleagues for their support throughout his tenure.
His departure not only marks the end of a long political chapter but also signals the beginning of a new phase in Bihar's governance, while his influence is expected to continue shaping the state's future from the national stage.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to take oath as new CM on April 15
PATNA (PTI) — Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary will take oath as the new CM of the state on Wednesday, a senior minister said here.
His statement came after Choudhary was elected the leader of the NDA legislative party on Tuesday.
Nitish Kumar, who heads the JD(U) and became a Rajya Sabha MP last week, resigned as the chief minister earlier in the day.
"Choudhary has been unanimously elected as Leader of the NDA Legislative party," Union Minister Nityanand Rai said after the meeting attended by all MLAs of the alliance partners.
"Samart Choudhary jee will now take the oath as the next CM of Bihar on Wednesday," Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav told reporters after the NDA legislative party meeting in which Nitish Kumar was present.
Choudhary later said Kumar himself proposed his name in the NDA Legislative Party meeting and gave his blessings.
"The caravan of Bihar's development will continue to advance. With the trust of all the esteemed leaders of the NDA, we will take Bihar's development, progress, and good governance to new heights with renewed energy," Choudhay said in a post on X.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin congratulated Choudhary on being elected as the leader of the NDA Legislative Party.
"I am fully confident that under the guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi Jee and your able leadership, Bihar will further advance on the path of progress, prosperity, and self-reliance, infusing new energy and momentum into the resolve of 'Vikshit Bihar, 2047," Nabin said in an X post.
Earlier in the day, Choudhary was elected the leader of the BJP legislature party. The BJP is the single largest party in the 243-strong Bihar assembly with 89 MLAs.
Choudhary joined the BJP in 2017 after spending around 12 years in the RJD and JD(U).
Nitish Kumar, the longest serving CM of Bihar, on Tuesday submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain.
Accompanied by Choudhary, JD(U) national working president Sanjay Jha, and others, Kumar called on Hasnain in Lok Bhavan hours after recommending the dissolution of his cabinet.
"I have done a lot of work for the people of Bihar. Recently, I decided to leave the post of chief minister. Therefore, after today's cabinet meeting, I met the Governor and submitted my resignation to him. Now the new government will look after the work here. The new government will have my full cooperation and guidance", Kumar said in a social media post.
The NDA has 202 members in the Bihar assembly.
(Inputs from IANS/PTI)