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Watch: Samrat Choudhary greets supporters at BJP office in Patna

Samrat Choudhary acknowledges supporters at BJP office in Patna after being elected Leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative Party in Bihar.

Vijay Sinha backs Choudhary as Bihar BJP Leader

Vijay Kumar Sinha on Tuesday said years of groundwork by party workers had led to the moment when Samrat Choudhary was unanimously elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative Party in Bihar.

Sinha, a senior BJP leader in the state and former Deputy Chief Minister, described himself as “a soldier of the BJP” while linking the development to long-standing organisational efforts. “After years of hard work on the ground, we now have the opportunity to bloom Lotus here,” he said.

He proposed Choudhary’s name during the meeting, saying the move followed party direction. “As a soldier of the BJP and as per my Commander's command, I proposed the name of Samrat Choudhary,” he added.

The unanimous backing from party legislators comes at a time of political transition in Bihar, with BJP leaders projecting the decision as a sign of unity. Choudhary is expected to play a central role in guiding the party’s legislative strategy in the state assembly.

Giriraj Singh hails Choudhary’s rise after Nitish steps down

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday linked the leadership change in Bihar to former chief minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to step aside, as Samrat Choudhary was unanimously elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative Party.

Speaking after the decision, Singh said Kumar’s move had “led to this situation,” while also noting that the outgoing leader had extended his support. “He has given blessings to Samrat ji,” Singh said, adding that the BJP legislators subsequently chose Choudhary as their leader.

The election took place amid a broader political transition in the state following Kumar’s resignation, paving the way for a change in leadership.

Choudhary’s unanimous selection was projected by party leaders as a sign of internal agreement at a crucial juncture, with the BJP preparing to steer the next phase of governance in Bihar.

Chirag Paswan calls Nitish Kumar's exit an ‘emotional moment’

Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Tuesday described Nitish Kumar’s resignation as an “emotional moment,” reflecting on his long tenure at the helm of Bihar.

Speaking after Kumar stepped down, Paswan said the state had “benefited from his leadership” for more than two decades, acknowledging the impact of his time in office. He noted that the outgoing chief minister’s tenure had left a lasting imprint on Bihar’s governance and development trajectory.

“As he moves forward toward a new chapter, I extend to him, on behalf of my party, best wishes for the future,” Paswan said, signalling a note of political courtesy amid the transition.

Kumar, one of Bihar’s longest-serving leaders, submitted his resignation earlier in the day, bringing an end to his latest stint as chief minister. His exit marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, with a new leadership set to take charge.

Paswan’s remarks underscore the moment’s significance across party lines, as Bihar enters a fresh phase following Kumar’s departure from office.

Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM tomorrow

Samrat Choudhary is set to be sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar on Wednesday, a day after being chosen leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislative party at an NDA meeting in Patna, reported the Hindustan Times.

The decision was finalised during the alliance’s बैठक earlier in the day, clearing the way for a swift transition of leadership in the state.

Choudhary’s name was proposed by senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha and received backing from Renu Devi, Mangal Pandey and Dilip Jaiswal, signalling consensus within the party ranks.

The formal announcement was made by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who attended the meeting as the BJP’s central observer.

With the oath-taking scheduled for the next day, preparations are underway in Patna for the swearing-in ceremony, which will mark the beginning of a new administration under Choudhary’s leadership.

Shivraj calls it ‘historic’ as Samrat Choudhary elected Bihar BJP leader

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday described the moment as “emotional” and “historic” as Samrat Choudhary was unanimously elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative Party in Bihar.

Speaking as the party’s central observer for the state, Chouhan linked the development to the BJP’s long organisational journey. He said that “workers who have helped build the organisation of the BJP since the Jana Sangh days are seeing their dreams being realised today,” adding that “their resolve completes today.”

The decision was taken at a meeting of party legislators in Patna, where Choudhary’s name received unanimous backing.

Chouhan also congratulated him, saying, “I congratulate Samrat Choudhary,” while party leaders projected the consensus as a sign of internal unity.

Choudhary’s election places him at the centre of the BJP’s legislative strategy in Bihar, with responsibility for coordinating the party’s approach in the assembly during a politically significant phase in the state.

Samrat Choudhary named BJP Bihar Legislature party leader

Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday thanked the central BJP leadership after being chosen leader of its legislative party in Bihar, a move that paves the way for him to take over as Chief Minister of Bihar.

In a statement, Choudhary called the appointment “a sacred opportunity to serve the people of Bihar,” adding that it was “not merely a position” but a responsibility tied to public trust. He said he would work “to fulfil their trust and dreams,” promising to meet expectations with “complete dedication, commitment, and integrity.”

The BJP leader placed his elevation within the party’s national leadership framework, saying he would function “under the able leadership” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also referred to guidance from party president Nitin Nabin.

Choudhary said his focus would remain on “development, good governance, and prosperity,” suggesting continuity with the party’s broader agenda in the state.

Closing his message, he acknowledged public support, calling “your affection, blessings, and cooperation” his “greatest strength,” as he prepares to assume office at a time of political transition in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar steps down as Bihar CM, JD(U) backs exit

Nitish Kumar on Tuesday confirmed that his party, Janata Dal (United), has stepped away from the chief minister’s post, marking the end of his latest tenure after nearly two decades of intermittent leadership in Bihar.

In a statement, Kumar reached back to the beginning of his alliance years, noting that “on 24 November 2005, the NDA government was formed in the state for the first time,” adding that “since then, the rule of law has prevailed” alongside sustained development efforts.

He framed his tenure as broadly inclusive, saying the government “worked for the development of all sections of society… work has been done for everyone,” listing sectors from education and health to roads, electricity and agriculture. He also pointed to initiatives for “women and youth,” describing them as a continuing focus.

Looking ahead, Kumar cited plans under “7 Nishchay-3” for 2025–2030, saying they would push Bihar to “advance significantly.” He credited the Centre’s backing, offering thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “full cooperation.”

Confirming his exit, Kumar said, “we had decided that we would now leave the post of Chief Minister,” adding that he had submitted his resignation after a cabinet meeting. “The new government will have my full cooperation,” he said.

What Nitish Kumar says

What Nitish said after his resignation

"I have done a lot of work for the people of Bihar. Recently, I decided to leave the post of chief minister…and therefore, after today's cabinet meeting, I met the governor and submitted my resignation to him," Kumar said.

The 75-year-old JD(U) chief became a Rajya Sabha MP last week.

"Now the new government will look after the work in Bihar. The new government will have my full cooperation and guidance," Kumar wrote on the social media post.

Who will succeed Nitish as CM? Suspense continues

The BJP, which is the single largest party in the 243-strong assembly, with 89 MLAs, will elect its legislature party leader later today.

Union minister Shivraj Singh Choudhan, whom the BJP parliamentary board has named central observer for the legislature party leader’s election, is expected to fly down for the purpose.

The 202-strong NDA includes 85 MLAs of the JD(U), besides 19 of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and five of the Hindustani Awam Morcha, headed by Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi, respectively. In addition, there are five MLAs of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha,