Bihar's Samrat Choudhary Elected as First BJP Chief Minister

In a historic move, Samrat Choudhary has been elected as Bihar's first Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This transition follows the resignation of Nitish Kumar, paving the way for new leadership within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Choudhary expressed his commitment to serving the people of Bihar and aims to enhance the state's development under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the BJP holding a majority in the assembly, this change marks a significant shift in Bihar's political dynamics. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 14, 2026, 17:54 IST

Samrat Choudhary Takes Charge as Bihar's New Chief Minister

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

Patna, Apr 14: 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 leadership change comes after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned from his position, allowing for a transition within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was appointed as a central observer by the BJP parliamentary board, announced Choudhary's election 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.

In a statement expressing his gratitude to the BJP's central leadership, Choudhary emphasized that this role is not just a position but a chance to serve the people of Bihar.

He stated, "This is an opportunity to fulfill the trust and aspirations of the citizens of Bihar. I am committed to meeting the expectations of every individual with dedication and integrity," in a social media update.

Choudhary also pledged to work towards the development and prosperity of Bihar under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and national president Nitin Nabin.

Having joined the BJP in 2017 after a 12-year tenure with the RJD and JD(U), Choudhary's rise comes as the BJP holds the largest number of seats in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, with 89 MLAs.

The BJP acted quickly to elect its leader following Kumar's resignation. Kumar, who leads the Janata Dal (United), has recently taken a seat in the Rajya Sabha.

Earlier, Kumar met with Governor Syed Ata Hasnain at Lok Bhavan to formally submit his resignation and recommend the dissolution of his cabinet, a necessary constitutional step.

In a social media statement, Kumar expressed that he decided to step down after achieving significant milestones for the state.

He remarked, "The new government will manage the affairs in Bihar, and I will extend my full support and guidance to them."

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

State minister Ram Kripal Yadav noted that Kumar had informed his cabinet colleagues about his 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, Choudhary's appointment signifies a notable shift in Bihar's political landscape.