Sources said calls have already gone out to leaders who are expected to be inducted into the Bihar cabinet. Both the BJP and JDU finalised their quota of ministers on Wednesday night after meetings in Patna with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The first BJP-led government in Bihar, headed by Samrat Chaudhary, faces a floor test today just 10 days after taking office, following Nitish Kumar's exit.
Hours after taking oath, Bihar's new Chief Minister lays down a tough five-point governance plan, signalling urgency on corruption, delivery and development, even as political reactions pour in from across the spectrum.
Samrat Choudhary began his political journey with Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), only to later join the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) and eventually the BJP. Although he lacked a natural connection with the saffron party, he quickly adapted to its working style and made efforts to fully understand the organisation.
JD(U) leaders Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav will be sworn in as deputy chief ministers. Sources said only three leaders will be inducted initially, indicating a "small cabinet" with expansion likely next month.
Nitish Kumar's potential exit has sparked a significant shift in Bihar's political landscape, fuelling intense speculation over his successor. While several candidates have emerged for the Chief Minister's post, attention also centred on his son, Nishant Kumar, as a top contender for the Deputy Chief Minister post.
The BJP named Samrat Choudhary as Bihar's next Chief Minister, marking the first time the party will hold the top post in the state. The decision ends days of speculation after Nitish Kumar was elected to the Rajya Sabha and stepped down as Chief Minister.
The BJP, which has long been a dominant partner in the alliance, is now poised to lead the government in the state for the first time with its own chief minister.
The Bihar government led by Nitish Kumar has banned private practice by doctors in government hospitals to ensure full-time commitment to public healthcare.
Nitish Kumar was sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The moment marked the end of an era for the political landscape of Bihar as the 75-year-old has the distinction of being the longest-serving CM of the state.
Sources tell India Today that Samrat Chaudhary is the favourite to succeed Nitish Kumar as the Bihar CM.
Sources tell India Today that Nitish Kumar is likely to resign as Bihar's Chief Minister on April 14, when the NDA legislative party is expected to meet to elect the next chief minister.
Bihar prepares for a new political chapter as Nitish Kumar takes Rajya Sabha oath on April 10. Newly elected MPs, including BJP and RLM leaders, will follow on April 16 amid crucial Delhi meetings.
Nitish Kumar is set to take oath as Rajya Sabha member on April 10 and is expected to resign as Chief Minister shortly after, around April 13.
Eight women were killed as overcrowding at the Shitala Temple in Bihar's Nalanda district triggered a stampede during a religious gathering. Disturbing pictures from the accident site showed scores of women lying unconscious on the ground.
JDU MLC Sanjay Gandhi arrived at the Bihar Legislative Council on Monday to formally submit the Chief Minister's resignation letter to the secretariat.
The official announcement of the result will take place at 2.30 pm at the party's national headquarters in Delhi.
Three Congress MLAs in Bihar are absent without official leave as voting for five Rajya Sabha seats is underway, with the INDIA bloc and the BJP-led NDA locked in a tight contest for the fifth seat that could hinge on cross-voting.
Faisal Rahman said he had travelled to Patna to participate in the Rajya Sabha election but had to rush back to the national capital after learning about his mother's deteriorating health.
Ahead of voting for five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar on March 16, parties have begun consolidating MLAs, with the Grand Alliance keeping its legislators together in Patna.
