Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will resign from his post on April 13, almost a month after he was elected to the Rajya Sabha with the backing of 44 MLAs. This will pave the way for the election of the new Chief Minister of the state.
While the NDA alliance meeting has been scheduled for April 14 to elect a new leader for the post, the key meeting of the JD(U), slated for April 6 at Nitish Kumar’s residence, will possibly decide the party’s strategy, importantly, about the future of Nitish’s son Nishant Kumar.
Though the decision on the new chief minister will be taken only after considering Nitish’s opinion, it is almost certain that the new head of the state will be from the BJP.
Amid this, a statement made by Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni has sparked intrigue. Sahni’s statement that the pairing of deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary and Nishant could prove to be a hit in the future has triggered speculation that Nishant could be made the deputy CM. He added that this decision could be made with the consent of both the JD(U) and the BJP. However, the final decision rests with the top leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party, he added.
Sahni stated that both Nitish and the people of Bihar want Samrat Chaudhary to become the Chief Minister.
Madan Sahni also dropped a significant hint regarding the cabinet, according to local media reports. He stated that many new faces will be given opportunities in the new government. Five to six veteran leaders from the JD(U) are likely to be included, while the remaining seats will be filled by new faces. He also stated that new members may be accommodated in Nishant's team.
As per reports, even Nitish is okay with Samrat Chaudhary becoming the chief minister. He had hinted that during the Samriddhi Yatra, where he was seen delivering a political message from the stage, while placing a hand on Samrat’s shoulder. Many see this as his approval for Samrat.
