Patna: The political landscape in Bihar is heading into a major transition phase, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally beginning the process to elect its legislative party leader, a key step toward forming a new government in the state.

On Sunday, the party appointed Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer for the election of the BJP legislative party leader in Bihar. This move effectively sets the stage for the formation of a new government following former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s shift to the Rajya Sabha.

Announcing the decision, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh said, “The Parliamentary Board of the Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, as the Central Observer for the election of the leader of the BJP's legislative party in Bihar.”

The appointment is seen as a crucial organisational step, as the central observer plays a key role in supervising the selection of the state legislative leader, who is likely to become the next Chief Minister if coalition equations align.

Earlier on Sunday, JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha indicated that the process of forming the new government will roll out after April 13.

This suggests that the formal government formation exercise in Bihar is expected to accelerate in the coming days, with political consultations and alliance discussions likely to take center stage.

The BJP’s move signals that internal coordination within the ruling alliance is now underway to decide leadership in the state. With key leaders shifting roles and responsibilities, Bihar is entering a decisive phase where the next Chief Ministerial face and cabinet structure will be finalised.