Senior BJP leader Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday took oath as the 21st Chief Minister of Bihar, marking a significant political shift in the state and ending Nitish Kumar’s two-decade-long dominance. This also signals the formation of the BJP’s first government in Bihar.
He was administered the oath of office by Governor Syed Ata Hasnain at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, attended by senior BJP leaders and alliance partners. Nitish Kumar, now a Rajya Sabha MP, resigned as Chief Minister on Tuesday after dissolving his Cabinet. In the previous government, Choudhary served as Deputy Chief Minister and held the key Home portfolio.
A prominent OBC leader from the Koeri community, Choudhary’s political journey spans nearly three decades. He first entered politics in 1999 as a minister in Rabri Devi’s cabinet, though his tenure was cut short due to eligibility concerns. He later returned to win elections, rose within the RJD, and eventually shifted to the BJP in 2017—a move that significantly accelerated his political rise.
Within the BJP, Choudhary quickly emerged as a key leader, rising from state vice president to state president, and later Deputy Chief Minister in 2024. His strong electoral base and backing from senior leaders like Amit Shah helped consolidate his position in Bihar politics.
His elevation also carries caste significance, as he becomes only the second leader from the Koeri community to serve as Chief Minister after Satish Prasad Singh. Additionally, he joins a select group of leaders, including Karpoori Thakur, who have held both the posts of Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister in Bihar. Choudhary’s appointment marks a new political phase in Bihar, with the BJP taking direct leadership in the state’s governance.
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