NEW DELHI: Amid ongoing suspense over who the BJP will choose as its Chief Ministerial face in Bihar, the party’s central leadership appears focused on more than just picking a recognizable name. The priority, sources suggest, is to identify a leader who is non-controversial, well educated, experienced, and ideologically in sync with both the party and the RSS.
That task, however, is far from easy in a state where caste dynamics continue to play a decisive role—not only in elections but also in internal leadership choices. Political circles in Bihar have been rife with speculation ever since Nitish Kumar’s election to the Rajya Sabha, with several names doing the rounds as possible contenders. Yet, the BJP leadership is treading carefully, mindful that a miscalculation at this stage could hurt its long-term electoral ambitions and its goal of coming to power independently.
Within the state unit, there is a growing sentiment—often expressed privately—that this is a key moment for the party to elevate a leader from its core ranks, ideally from the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC). Such a candidate, leaders say, should be widely acceptable within the party, seen as impartial, and free from controversy. Failing to meet these expectations, they warn, could lead to public disappointment and dent the party’s prospects.
Meanwhile, lobbying within the party has intensified, with aspirants making their case both in Delhi and Patna. Despite the behind-the-scenes activity, the central leadership has maintained silence, fueling speculation that a surprise decision could still be on the cards.
Adding to the uncertainty, a scheduled meeting of the BJP’s Bihar core committee on April 10 was postponed at the last minute, forcing several leaders who had travelled to Delhi to return to Patna. The NDA’s Bihar unit is now expected to meet in the next couple of days, followed by a BJP legislature party meeting to arrive at a consensus candidate.
Among those being discussed are Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who has handled the Home portfolio, and Sanjiv Chaurasia, considered well educated, articulate, and relatively non-controversial, with the added advantage of belonging to the EBC category. Other names in contention include Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar; Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, a prominent Bhumihar leader; Shreyasi Singh, an accomplished shooter with a political legacy and Rajput background; state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal; and Union Minister Nityanand Rai, a Yadav leader seen as key to expanding the party’s outreach among Yadav voters.
A final decision is expected in the coming days, possibly by April 14, with the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister likely on April 15, just ahead of the special session of Parliament.