Patna: Political activity in Bihar has gathered pace after Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary held a second meeting in two days with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, fuelling speculation over a possible leadership change in the state.
The meeting, held on Sunday at the chief minister’s residence in Patna, lasted around 25 minutes. It follows a similar interaction between the two leaders on Saturday, as discussions within the ruling alliance appear to accelerate.
According to reports, the meeting was also attended by minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and JD(U) MP Devesh Chandra Thakur. All four leaders left shortly after the discussions concluded, without making detailed public statements.
While the agenda of the talks has not been officially disclosed, political observers believe they may be linked to the formation and structure of a new government in the state. Speculation has also intensified around the possibility that Nitish Kumar could step down, with April 14 being widely discussed as a potential date.
Speaking briefly to reporters after the meeting, Vijay Chaudhary downplayed suggestions of any immediate decision, saying such interactions were part of the normal process ahead of government formation. “It is only natural that there would be discussions. No talks regarding the cabinet have taken place yet. It is a matter of a few days,” he said.
On the question of leadership, he indicated that the decision would rest with the Bharatiya Janata Party. “The BJP will decide. Based on their recommendation, a leader will be chosen by the NDA legislative party, and that leader will become the chief minister,” he added, signalling the party’s central role in determining the next steps.
The latest round of talks comes a day after a separate meeting of senior Janata Dal (United) leaders at the chief minister’s residence, where discussions reportedly lasted nearly two hours. Those deliberations were also seen as part of ongoing negotiations over cabinet composition and the possible inclusion of younger leaders.
Meanwhile, the BJP is expected to hold a key meeting in Patna, attended by senior party figures including Vinod Tawde. The meeting is likely to focus on leadership choices and the broader framework for government formation.
With multiple meetings taking place across parties, the final decision is expected to emerge from consultations within the National Democratic Alliance and its central leadership in the coming days.
