Patna: Bihar is set to see the formation of a new government on April 15, with intense political activity underway in the state capital ahead of key decisions on leadership and cabinet structure.
Senior leaders of the ruling Janata Dal (United) have already arrived in Patna, while Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, is expected to reach the city today. A crucial meeting is scheduled at the Chief Minister’s residence, where discussions will focus on a possible cabinet expansion, the number of ministers, and allocation of portfolios. Sources indicate that final decisions on these issues may be taken within the next two days.
Legislators from both JD(U) and the Bharatiya Janata Party have been instructed to remain present in Patna. Those yet to arrive have been asked to reach the city at the earliest, with a steady influx of lawmakers expected through the day.
A final cabinet meeting of the outgoing government is likely to be held on April 13, though no official confirmation has been issued so far. If convened, a formal notification is expected by this evening. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to submit his resignation to the Governor on April 14, following which a meeting of the NDA legislative party will be held to elect a new leader. The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is proposed for April 15.
Political developments intensified on Saturday evening when both Deputy Chief Ministers reached the Chief Minister’s residence around 5:30 pm, accompanied by Minister Lakhendra Paswan. The leaders met Nitish Kumar for about 30 minutes. After the meeting, they stated that clarity on the situation would emerge soon and reiterated that developments in Bihar would continue under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha later visited Lok Bhavan, where he remained for approximately 30 minutes before leaving.
Amid the political developments, Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha said it was too early to speculate about a new Chief Minister and suggested allowing Nitish Kumar time to rest. He also named several capable leaders in Bihar, including Tejashwi Yadav and political strategist Prashant Kishor.
Responding to opposition remarks, JD(U) leader Ashok Choudhary criticised the Rashtriya Janata Dal, referring to past leadership transitions within the party and asserting that the electorate had already rejected its claims in the recent elections.
Earlier, JD(U) leaders, including working president Sanjay Jha and Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, held a nearly two-hour meeting with Nitish Kumar, discussing the possible structure of the new cabinet and the inclusion of younger faces.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan clarified that he is not in the race for the Chief Minister’s post, stating that while the face of the government may change, the governing formula will remain the same.
Notably, Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha member on Friday, administered by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. With this, he joins a select group of leaders who have served in all four legislative bodies — Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Bihar Assembly, and Legislative Council. This marks his first term in the Rajya Sabha.
According to JD(U) sources, the existing NDA power-sharing arrangement is likely to continue, with the party expected to secure the Deputy Chief Minister’s post for the first time. There are indications that JD(U) could have two Deputy Chief Ministers, and the Assembly Speaker’s post may also go to the party.
Sources further suggest that Nishant Kumar is almost certain to be appointed as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers, potentially positioning him as a key figure in the party’s future leadership in Bihar.
