Who Will Be the New CM of Bihar?

Patna, March 6: In a historic political shift, Bihar is poised to get a new head of state following Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, March 5. The move marks the end of an era for the state's longest-serving leader, leaving millions to wonder who will be the new CM of Bihar. With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) now the senior partner in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), top sources indicate that for the first time in the state's history, the chief ministerial post will likely go to a BJP leader.

The transition comes just months after the NDA’s landslide victory in the 2025 assembly elections. As the dust settles on Nitish Kumar's two-decade tenure, political parleys are in full swing to decide who will be the new CM of Bihar. Internal party discussions suggest that the BJP central leadership is looking for a face from the Backward Class (BC) or Extremely Backward Class (EBC) to maintain the delicate social engineering that has defined Bihar’s voter base. Currently, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and Union Minister Nityanand Rai are the most prominent names being discussed to lead the new government. Nitish Kumar, Bihar CM, Files Nomination Papers for Rajya Sabha Polls Amid Protests by JD(U) Workers (See Pics and Videos).

The Top Contenders for the Bihar CM Post

Samrat Choudhary

As the succession race intensifies, Samrat Choudhary has emerged as a heavy favorite. Currently serving as Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Choudhary belongs to the Koeri community and is known for his aggressive political style. His elevation would solidify the BJP's hold on the "Luv-Kush" (Kurmi-Koeri) vote bank that was historically loyal to Nitish Kumar.

Nityanand Rai

On the other hand, Nityanand Rai, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, remains a formidable candidate. A trusted lieutenant of Amit Shah and a prominent Yadav face within the BJP, Rai’s appointment could be a strategic move to dent the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) core support base. ‘There Has Been a Desire in My Heart’: Nitish Kumar Confirms Rajya Sabha Bid, Assures Support to New Bihar Government.

Other names surfacing in political circles include Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal and West Champaran MP Sanjay Jaiswal, both of whom offer organisational stability.

The End of the Nitish Kumar Era

Nitish Kumar, often called "Sushasan Babu" for his focus on governance, confirmed his exit via a social media post, stating he had a long-standing "desire in his heart" to serve in both Houses of Parliament and both Houses of the State Legislature. Having previously been an MLA, MLC, and Lok Sabha MP, the Rajya Sabha term completes his legislative journey.

While his supporters staged emotional protests outside his Patna residence, Kumar assured the public that he would continue to "guide" the new administration. His departure is seen as a "kidnapping with consent" by opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav, who have slammed the move as a betrayal of the 2025 mandate.

New Role for Nishant Kumar?

Amid the leadership change, significant speculation surrounds Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, who is set to formally enter active politics. Reports suggest that as part of the transition deal, Nishant may be appointed as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers to represent the JD(U) interest in the new cabinet. This move is seen as an attempt to prevent the disintegration of the JD(U) following its patriarch's shift to New Delhi.

The formal resignation of Nitish Kumar is expected after the Rajya Sabha results are finalised, likely by the second week of March. Once the BJP officially stakes its claim, the new Chief Minister will be tasked with maintaining the momentum of development while navigating the complexities of a post-Nitish coalition. For now, all eyes remain on the BJP's high command in Delhi to finalise the name of the individual who will inherit the mantle of power in Patna.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 06, 2026 01:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).