Shivraj Singh Chouhan named observer, BJP starts process to form Bihar govt

NEW DELHI: With Nitish Kumar tipped to quit as Bihar chief minister on Apr 14 after chairing his last cabinet meeting, the process for the first BJP-led govt to take over in Bihar kicked in on Sunday as Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was named the party's central observer for election of the leader of its Bihar legislature party. There are indications that Samrat Choudhary is the frontrunner for the post of next chief minister.Chouhan said he will be in Patna on Apr 14 as BJP lawmakers elect their leader, who will then be chosen as NDA legislature party leader to succeed Nitish. Sources said that the oathtaking ceremony, likely on Apr 15, may be a simple affair, involving a few members. Nitish's son Nishant is being seen as JDU's choice for deputy CM as the party looks to preserve its founder's political legacy and enthuse its cadres. With BJP known for keeping its cards close to its chest, NDA circles are agog over its choice of Nitish's replacement. Yet, Samrat is being seen as the frontrunner for the investment his party has made in him since he joined it in 2018.