Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and incumbent Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has emerged as Bihar's new chief minister, marking a major political transition in the state after the resignation of Nitish Kumar.
His elevation is being seen as a generational shift in Bihar politics and a significant moment for the BJP, which now gets to lead the state government directly, ending over three decades of dominance by regional parties JD(U) and RJD.
Nitish Kumar, who heads the Janata Dal (United) and became a Rajya Sabha MP last week, tendered his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain shortly after chairing the final meeting of his cabinet at 11 am. The BJP then held a legislature party meeting at its state office to elect its new leader, where Samrat was chosen as the CM.
Here's a look at the journey of Samrat Choudhary.
Early Life and Political Roots
Born on 16 November, 1968 in Lakhanpur in Munger district, Choudhary comes from a politically active family. His father Shakuni Choudhary was a two-term MLA from Parbatta and a two-time Member of the Legislative Council, underlining how long he has been part of Bihar's legislative politics.
Rise Through Bihar's Power Corridors
Choudhary's political career began in the 1990s and took shape across several governments and political camps. He first entered ministerial office in 1999 in the Rabri Devi government, and later returned to key roles in Bihar politics, including as a minister in 2014.
Then, due to rift with the RJD, Samrat switched to the BJP in 2018 and later was appointed Bihar BJP president in March 2023. After the NDA returned to power in January 2024, he rose to become one of the most visible faces of the BJP in the state, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.
Why The BJP Backed Him
Choudhary has been projected as a strong organisational leader and a prominent OBC face in Bihar politics. As per reports, his elevation reflected the BJP's attempt to strengthen its leadership footprint in a state where caste balance matters heavily in electoral politics.
What He Has Handled So Far
Choudhary has held major responsibilities including finance, urban development and housing, health, panchayati raj, industry and commercial taxes since taking office as Deputy Chief Minister on January 28, 2024.
Controversies
Despite his rise, Choudhary has faced criticism over alleged discrepancies related to his educational qualifications, an issue raised by political strategist and Jan Suraj leader Prashant Kishor during election campaigns. However, the matter did not significantly impact his political career.
ALSO READ: Nitish Kumar Resigns As Bihar CM; BJP To Lead State Government For First Time
What His Elevation Means
Chaudhary's swearing in as the Bihar CM would mark a significant moment for the BJP in Bihar, where the party has long played a secondary role in coalition politics.
Meanwhile, the swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Minister and Council of Ministers is scheduled for April 15 at 11 am at Raj Bhavan.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.