Bihar's Samrat Choudhary Elected as First BJP Chief Minister

In a landmark decision, Samrat Choudhary has been elected as Bihar's first Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This follows the resignation of Nitish Kumar, paving the way for a new leadership within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Choudhary's election marks a significant political shift in Bihar, as the BJP, holding a majority in the assembly, prepares to lead the state government. Kumar expressed his support for the new government, emphasizing his commitment to assist in the transition. This change in leadership is poised to reshape the political landscape in Bihar.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 14, 2026, 17:25 IST

Samrat Choudhary Takes the Helm in Bihar

A file image of Samrat Choudhary. (Photo:@refocus21/X)

Patna, Apr 14: In a historic move, Samrat Choudhary has been elected as the first Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar, following a unanimous decision by the party's legislative wing on Tuesday.

This transition comes after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, setting the stage for a new leadership within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was appointed as the central observer by the BJP parliamentary board, announced, “Samrat Choudhary has been unanimously chosen as the leader of the BJP’s legislative party.”

Choudhary is anticipated to take the oath of office tomorrow, although official confirmation is still pending.

The BJP, which holds the majority with 89 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, acted quickly to select its leader following Kumar's resignation. Kumar, who leads the Janata Dal (United), has recently been elected as a Rajya Sabha MP.

Earlier, Kumar met with Governor Hasnain at Lok Bhavan to formally resign and recommended the dissolution of his cabinet, a necessary constitutional step before his departure.

In a social media statement, Kumar expressed that he decided to step down after accomplishing significant work for the state, stating, “The new government will manage the affairs in Bihar, and I will extend my full support and guidance.”

Kumar, who has served as Bihar's Chief Minister for the longest period, was accompanied by Samrat Choudhary, JD(U) national working president Sanjay Jha, and state minister Vijay Choudhary during his meeting with the Governor.

State minister Ram Kripal Yadav mentioned that Kumar had informed his cabinet colleagues about the decision to dissolve the council of ministers earlier in the day, describing the moment as “emotional.”

The NDA currently holds a strong majority in the assembly with 202 MLAs. With the BJP now set to lead the government in Bihar, Choudhary’s rise signifies a notable shift in the state's political landscape.