PTC Web Desk: In a decisive political move signalling the end of an era, Nitish Kumar on Tuesday dissolved his Cabinet following its final meeting, paving the way for his resignation as the Chief Minister of Bihar.

The veteran leader, who has dominated Bihar politics for nearly two decades, is expected to step down later in the day. The development sets the stage for the BJP to take the lead in forming the next government in the state.

The race for Bihar’s next Chief Minister is expected to conclude today, with key meetings lined up in Patna. The BJP Legislature Party is scheduled to meet at 3 pm to elect its leader, in the presence of central observer Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

This will be followed by a crucial NDA meeting at 4 PM in the Central Hall of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, where the alliance will finalise its CM face.

Among the frontrunners, Samrat Choudhary has emerged as the leading contender. Other names doing the rounds include Nityanand Rai and Renu Devi.

The dissolution of the Cabinet is being seen as the final administrative step before Nitish Kumar formally submits his resignation. Sources suggest that the transition could be swift, with Bihar likely to have a new Chief Minister as early as April 15.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place at Lok Bhawan, with top national leaders, including Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, likely to attend.

In a significant shift, Nitish Kumar has already moved to the national stage. He took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on April 11 after being elected to the Upper House in March.

As per parliamentary norms, he resigned from his position as an MLC in the Bihar Legislative Council within the stipulated time frame.

Even as political developments gathered pace, Nitish Kumar maintained a low-key schedule on his final full day in office. He reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects, including a four-lane road project in Saran and a parallel bridge to JP Setu in Patna. He also visited his new residence at 7, Circular Road, where he is expected to shift after demitting office.

The final Cabinet meeting was largely symbolic, with colleagues expressing gratitude for his leadership and contribution to Bihar’s transformation.

While the public narrative focused on leadership change, intense discussions continued within the NDA over government formation. Key issues under deliberation included the Deputy Chief Minister’s post and a possible role for Nishant Kumar, though he is reportedly reluctant to enter active politics.

Senior JD(U) leaders, including Sanjay Jha and Lalan Singh, held multiple rounds of discussions with BJP leadership, particularly Samrat Choudhary, to finalise the structure of the new government.

Symbolic changes were also visible at the JD(U) office, where posters projecting Nitish Kumar’s continued leadership were taken down, signalling a clear transition.

The political shift has drawn criticism from the opposition, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav terming Nitish Kumar’s resignation as a “forced decision” and accusing him of betraying the mandate given by the people.

Although the BJP has not officially announced its choice, momentum appears to be strongly in favour of Samrat Choudhary. His residence has become the focal point of political activity, with visits from senior leaders and top bureaucrats indicating an imminent transition.

Nitish Kumar’s exit and transition to the Rajya Sabha mark a structural shift in Bihar politics. For the first time, the BJP is set to lead the NDA government in the state.

With the alliance enjoying a comfortable majority in the 243-member Assembly, the formation of the new government is expected to proceed smoothly.

Even as he steps aside, JD(U) leaders maintain that Nitish Kumar will continue to guide the government and remain a key figure in Bihar’s political landscape.