Nitish Kumar To Step Down As Bihar Chief Minister After Final Cabinet Meeting Today

Last Updated:April 14, 2026, 07:42 IST

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to resign Tuesday after final Cabinet meet. NDA with 202 seats set to form government, BJP to name its first Bihar CM, oath likely on Wednesday.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is expected to resign from the Chief Minister’s post on Tuesday after holding his final Cabinet meeting. Despite ongoing political discussions over the formation of a new government, he continued with his routine work on Monday.

The last Cabinet meeting is likely to take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, where he will formally announce his decision. Soon after, he is expected to go to Raj Bhavan and submit his resignation. The veteran leader, who recently turned 75 and has also been sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP, is the longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar.

Cabinet meeting and final day activities

The Cabinet meeting will have a single agenda, a formal expression of thanks to the Chief Minister for his role in Bihar’s development. A senior party leader said this gesture recognises his contribution to the state’s progress.

On Monday, unaffected with the changes, Nitish Kumar inspected the Baakarpur-Manikpur four-lane road project in Saran district and reviewed a bridge being built parallel to the JP Setu in Patna. He also visited his new residence at 7, Circular Road, where he will shift after stepping down.

Who will be the new CM?

In the 243-member Assembly, the NDA holds a strong majority with 202 seats. The BJP has 89 seats, while JD(U) has 85.

Minister Dilip Jaiswal described the moment as emotional and said Nitish Kumar is expected to continue guiding the new government. He added that the choice of the next Chief Minister will be a collective decision of the legislative party.

Leaders of JD(U) remained engaged in finalising the structure of the new government. Discussions have focused on a BJP Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, and the possible role of Nishant Kumar.

According to party sources, all ministers from the outgoing Cabinet are likely to be retained. Nitish Kumar has reportedly approved eight ministerial names so far, though no Deputy Chief Minister has been finalised. While Nishant Kumar is being considered for the role, a final decision rests with Nitish Kumar.

Senior leaders, including Sanjay Jha and Lalan Singh, held meetings with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to shape the transition.

BJP to announce chief minister

The Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to announce its Chief Ministerial candidate on Tuesday. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will arrive in Patna as the central observer to oversee the selection of the BJP legislature party leader.

This marks a major moment, as the BJP is set to have its first Chief Minister in Bihar.

Key contenders in the race

Among the frontrunners is Samrat Choudhary, currently serving as Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister. Another key name is Nityanand Rai, who has long been associated with the party.

Sources indicate that the BJP may choose a leader from the OBC or Dalit community to strengthen its social base.

As Nitish Kumar prepares to step down, Bihar is heading towards a significant political shift. The new Chief Minister is expected to take oath on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a new phase in the state’s politics.

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