BJP leader hints at political change in Bihar in 20 days

Patna: The political direction and situation in Bihar are likely to change in the next 15-20 days, a senior BJP leader said, triggering speculation about a possible shift in leadership in the NDA govt.The remarks also led to discussions in political circles that any change in the power structure may wait until Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on April 20 this year.Speaking at the party’s 47th foundation day function in Patna, the leader urged party workers to exercise patience and avoid making political statements unless instructed. He indicated the BJP is preparing to establish its leadership in the state and could be in the driver’s seat within the next 15-20 days, hinting the party may have its own chief minister for the first time in Bihar despite being part of the coalition govt with JD(U) led by CM Nitish Kumar for more than 17 years.According to political sources, Kumar is expected to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10 before stepping down as the head of the state govt after remaining at the helm since Nov 2005.It is believed the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate may take oath any day after April 14 when the inauspicious period of ‘kharmas’ ends.As political observers speculate about the possible BJP face for the post, many have referred to a post on X by Ashish Chauhan, chief executive officer of National Stock Exchange (NSE), made on April 4.The post reads, “Today, I had the privilege to meet and exchange ideas with Shri Samrat Chaudhary@samrat4bjp, the dynamic young leader and the deputy chief minister of Bihar at Patna during my visit to IIM Bodh Gaya for their convocation ceremony. Thank you Sir, for your kind indulgence. Look forward to working with you and your government in future, for the development of the state of Bihar.”He also shared a photograph with deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, who is considered among the leading contenders for the state’s top post.Addressing BJP workers during the weeklong celebrations of the party’s foundation day at its Patna office, state BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said Bihar is undergoing a transformation and the aspirations of the people of the state would soon be realised.Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary and BJP general secretary (organisation) Bhikhu Bhai Dalsania recalled the party’s journey since the days of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and paid tribute to the contributions of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.Choudhary said the BJP always fulfils its commitments and expressed hope the party would celebrate its 4700th foundation day in the future.He said the party’s growth is the result of the dedication and sacrifices of its founders and workers.“Atal Ji took the party to great heights and the country is rapidly becoming developed and self-reliant under the leadership of Modi Ji. Guided by the resolve of ‘Antyodaya to Rashtrodaya’ (uplift of the last person to the rise of the nation), this organization is working to deliver development to the very last individual in the country. BJP’s journey is not a journey for power, but of values and ideology,” he said.Commenting on the appointment of Patna’s Nitin Nabin as the BJP national president, Saraogi said such an elevation is possible only within the BJP.