New Delhi, April 14 -- After nearly two decades of defining Bihar's political landscape, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday dissolved his cabinet and tendered his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, clearing the path for a historic transition of power that will see the BJP lead a state government in Bihar for the first time.

The dissolution came after a final cabinet meeting at the Old Secretariat in Patna, where Nitish Kumar informed his ministerial colleagues of his decision,, a constitutional formality required before a chief minister may formally resign. By all accounts, the atmosphere in the room was charged with sentiment.

State minister Ram Kripal Yadav, speaking to reporters outside, described the scene within: "It was...