Kumar, Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister, turned 75 last month and was sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP a week ago. He is expected to submit his resignation at the Raj Bhavan soon after his final Cabinet meeting at 11 am, where he is likely to formally announce his decision to leave office.“Shivraj Singh Chouhan ji will come to Patna tomorrow and BJP MLAs will elect their leader in his presence,” party’s Bihar unit president Sanjay Saraogi told news agency PTI.The leadership change will mark a milestone for the BJP, which is set to have its first chief minister in Bihar, the only Hindi-speaking state where the top post has so far eluded the party. Nevertheless, party leaders have remained cautious in their public comments.Minister and former Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal said, “This is an emotional moment for us. We hope Nitish Kumar will continue to guide the new government.”In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, the NDA has a strong majority with 202 seats. BJP has 89 seats, followed by JD (U) with 85 seats, while allies LJP (RV), HAM and RLM are left.Refusing to speculate on who would be chosen as the leader, Jaiswal said, “It is the collective prerogative of the legislature party. I should not venture any guesses. Let Shivraj Singh Chauhan come tomorrow. Everything will be clear.”Neither Saraogi nor Jaiswal commented on the swearing-in ceremony, although speculation is rising that it could take place on April 14, with reports suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may attend it.Among the leading candidates, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary is being seen as the main contender. Chaudhary, who also holds the important home portfolio, was earlier described by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as destined to become “a big man”.However, critics within the party say Choudhary is not a lifelong Sangh Parivar member, having spent nearly two decades in rival parties including the RJD and JD(U). He also noted that he had already been appointed legislature party leader in November, suggesting that the fresh election may indicate that the BJP is considering alternative names.Another strong contender is Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who started his political career as an ABVP activist during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and later served as Bihar BJP president before joining the Union Cabinet in 2019.Party insiders told PTI that the new chief minister is likely to be from the OBC or Dalit community, as the BJP is confident of retaining its upper caste base but wants to broaden support among other social groups in Bihar’s caste-sensitive political landscape shaped by Mandal-era politics.Meanwhile, attention has also shifted to Nitish Kumar’s only son Nishant, who joined JDU only last month.Some JD(U) leaders have suggested that the 44-year-old, who is not yet a member of the state legislature, could be included in the new cabinet as deputy chief minister. Others believe that Nitish Kumar, who reportedly allowed his son’s political entry only under pressure from party workers, would prefer him to gain experience before assuming any big position.For now, it appears that father and son are accepting the change with peace, as their belongings are being moved to 1, Anne Marg, another government bungalow near the Chief Minister’s official residence, ready to welcome a new resident.