Bihar’s Governor Syed Ata Hasnain conducted the swearing-in ceremony for Samrat Choudhary at Lok Bhavan in Patna. This marks the appointment of the first Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state, following Nitish Kumar’s departure from the position.
Choudhary reached the Governor’s residence early in the day to assume the role, replacing Nitish Kumar, who had led the state for more than ten years before opting for a seat in the Rajya Sabha.
At 57 years old, Choudhary faces significant challenges in following Nitish Kumar, who took office for a historic tenth term in 2025 after the National Democratic Alliance achieved a major win in the state assembly polls.
His leadership signals the close of Nitish Kumar’s period of effective administration and the start of a fresh phase for the alliance in Bihar.
Choudhary’s political journey is remarkable, beginning in the 1990s with the Rashtriya Janata Dal before switching to the BJP in 2018.
Born in 1968, he hails from a politically active family. His father, Shakuni Choudhary, served as a legislator from Tarapur six times, while his mother, Parvati Devi, secured the same constituency in 1998 under the former Samta Party.
Prior to the 2024 renewal of ties between the BJP and Janata Dal (United), Choudhary was a vocal opponent of Nitish Kumar. In 2022, he vowed publicly not to take off his distinctive saffron headgear until Nitish was ousted from office.
He took on the role of BJP state president in 2023 and subsequently became Deputy Chief Minister in 2024.
Following the alliance’s successful retention of power in the 2025 elections, rumors intensified about Nitish Kumar stepping back from regional affairs. Choudhary, with his influence among Other Backward Classes and dynamic approach to politics, emerged as a leading candidate to take over.
Earlier today, prior to the ceremony, Union Minister Chirag Paswan visited Choudhary to offer congratulations for his upcoming term.
Paswan posted on X: ‘Today, before assuming office as Bihar’s Chief Minister in Patna, I met my brother Shri Samrat Choudhary ji and congratulated him on his selection as leader of the NDA legislative group, offering my best wishes. I am certain that Bihar will achieve greater progress, effective governance, and success under your guidance.’
Choudhary’s selection is viewed as a calculated step to enhance the party’s connections with OBC groups, especially the Koeri/Kushwaha community. (ANI)
