Bihar sees a leadership reset as BJP assumes the top post for the first time, with alliance dynamics intact and key leaders backing the transition.
Samrat Choudhary takes oath as Chief Minister of Bihar during the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Patna on Wednesday. (Photo: ANI)
Samrat Choudhary took oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister on Wednesday, a moment that quietly signals a big political shift, with the Bharatiya Janata Party stepping into the top post in the state for the first time.
The change comes just a day after Nitish Kumar stepped down after a long run in power, opening the door for a new leadership phase within the ruling alliance.
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Choudhary, who had been serving as Deputy Chief Minister, was chosen as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party and the NDA.
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The swearing-in ceremony took place at 10.50 am at Raj Bhavan in Patna, where Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath of office. With this, Bihar formally entered a new political phase, ending over two decades of Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
Two Deputy Chief Ministers from the Janata Dal (United) quota, Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, also took oath, signalling continuity within the alliance framework despite the leadership change.
#WATCH Patna, Bihar: Janata Dal (United) leader Vijay Kumar Choudhary takes oath as Deputy CM of Bihar pic.twitter.com/wBV84aW3pE
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2026
#WATCH Patna, Bihar: Janata Dal (United) leader Bijendra Prasad Yadav takes oath as Deputy CM of Bihar pic.twitter.com/OhgshLUgbW
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2026
On Tuesday evening, Samrat Choudhary met Governor Syed Ata Hasnain at Raj Bhavan and formally staked a claim to form the government, setting the stage for the transition.
The BJP has expressed confidence that the new leadership will steer Bihar towards “development, good governance, and prosperity”.
Choudhary’s political journey dates back to 1990. He first entered the state cabinet in 1999 during the Rabri Devi-led government. Over the years, he has handled key departments such as Urban Development, Housing and Panchayati Raj before rising to the post of Deputy Chief Minister in 2024.
Nitish Kumar’s decision to step down after more than 20 years in power marks the end of a defining political era in Bihar. He is set to move to the Rajya Sabha.
With Samrat Choudhary now taking charge, the state is poised for a reset in leadership, with the BJP leading the government for the first time from the Chief Minister’s office.
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